Contributed photo
Contributed photo
College and university campuses are not exempt from chronic hunger faced across the U.S.
The cost of living and the cost of higher education have resulted in students making a tough choice between eating dinner and attending a class they need to graduate.
“The ‘freshman 15’ is a misnomer, as many college students may be hungrier than other segments of society,” Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) President Jonah Rice said.
As a result, SIC, the SIC Foundation (SICF) and COUNTRY Financial are teaming up to help students suffering from hunger. COUNTRY Financial representatives David Morse and Pam Martin-Pearson donated $1,000 for new items to start a new campus food pantry called Freddie’s Pantry, set to open in November. SICF plans to match the donation, for a total of $2,000. Morse and Martin-Pearson have promised to donate $25 more for every new client who gets an auto or home insurance quote during the fall semester.
“We saw the need and wanted to come forth and help the best we could,” Martin-Pearson said. “We really feel strongly that education is of the utmost importance. We’re glad to help out in any way we can.”
Freddie’s Pantry has plans to expand in the future. For now, the pantry will be staffed by student volunteers and higher-achiever scholarship recipients.
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