The Clark State Community College Office of Student Support has expanded their Food Pantry services in order to meet more than the immediate needs of students.

With the added donation of 1,000 pounds of shelf-stable food from the Second Harvest Food Bank in Springfield, the Office of Student Support is now able to offer students a “shopping experience” at the Pantry.

“Students can select items to prepare meals for three days,” said Nina Wiley, dean of student engagement and support services at Clark State. “We also will have recipes available to help students create healthy meal options.”

In 2018 the Office of Student Support created a Grab and Go Food Pantry for students to access ready-made meals, snacks and breakfast bars to meet their immediate needs while on campus. “We realized that the need went beyond that of eating breakfast and lunch while on campus,” said Wiley.

All items – including toiletry items - are stored in the Office of Student Support in Rhodes Hall on the Clark State campus in Springfield. Trained staff and student workers are on site to assist individuals. No appointments are needed.

Wiley said the pantry is in place to meet the needs of Clark State students. Clark State also continues to be a site for the monthly mobile food pantry.

“We are pleased to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide greater access to food on campus,” said Wiley. “Addressing the basic needs of our students is a priority at Clark State.”

Faculty, staff and other students can help by referring students in need to the Office of Student Support Services.

The Office of Student Support provides support to address a variety of issues, including housing displacement, lack of childcare, transportation barriers, financial emergencies, food insecurity and physical health and wellness.