Blackhawk Launches BTC Student Cupboard

Blackhawk Technical College, in partnership with Caritas and Second Harvest Food Bank, launched the BTC Student Cupboard on Oct. 3, 2018. The Cupboard provides supplemental food and other necessities for BTC students and their families who are in need. For its opening, the Cupboard has received 19 applications for services.

Last year, a group of BTC employees and students began discussing food insecurities and the impact it has on college students. The USDA defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

"Many students deal with the stresses of college by pulling an all-nighter to finish a paper. For other students, it can also mean not having available financial resources for enough food to eat,” said Career Services Specialist and Cupboard Committee Chair Alicia Acker. They quickly learned that food insecurity is a reality at BTC. 

Food insecurities are widespread on American college campuses. With the rising costs of enrollment and the increased number of low-income or first-generation students, food pantries are one way that many college campuses have begun to address food insecurities. "Providing a student food pantry on campus can alleviate some of those fears and ultimately get food into the hands of those students who need it,” continued Acker. The Cupboard provides food items as well as other personal care items that might impact a student’s well-being.

Cupboard organizers and volunteers are hopeful that the BTC Student Cupboard will ensure no Blackhawk Technical College student goes hungry because of a lack of income or access to food.​

The Cupboard will be available from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Students must complete a very brief application for services at tinyurl.com/BTC-Student-Cupboard.