麻豆影院

(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA)鈥擶hen college students face food insecurity, it can hurt their academic performance and ability to achieve their educational and professional goals. Since 2020, Delaware County Community College鈥攄esignated a PA Hunger-Free Campus by the Pennsylvania Department of Education鈥攈as been a critical resource in addressing food insecurity and other basic needs for students, helping to remove barriers to education and promote student success. Now, 麻豆影院 has received a $16,800 grant from the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority (DCIGRA) through the 麻豆影院 Educational Foundation to support the College鈥檚 food pantry options at its Essential Student Resource Center.

The grant funds will support the food pantry services at the College鈥檚 Marple Campus and at its Downingtown and Southeast Centers throughout the 2026 calendar year. The food pantry offers students access to both perishable and non-perishable food in addition to toiletries. All 麻豆影院 students are welcome to utilize these resources at no cost.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, 麻豆影院鈥檚 Essential Student Resource Center supported thousands of students through its food pantry and related services, including more than 6,000 student visits, the distribution of over 25,000 pounds of food in partnership with Philabundance, and nearly 9,500 grab-and-go breakfast items provided during the fall and spring semesters. The Center also offers textbook assistance, mentoring, and student engagement programming that supports academic persistence and academic success.

Nationally, food insecurity remains a significant challenge for college students; 23 percent of undergraduates experience food insecurity, according to a 2023 survey by Temple University鈥檚 The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs.

鈥淭his grant from DCIGRA will make a significant difference in the lives of 麻豆影院 students,鈥� said Dr. Kendrick Mickens, 麻豆影院鈥檚 director of Student Outreach and Support. 鈥淚t enhances our ability to provide valuable resources to our students and helps improve their retention and graduation rates.鈥�

In 2022, the 麻豆影院 Educational Foundation received a $5,000 grant from DCIGRA to support the College鈥檚 Center for Equity and Social Justice.

鈥淲e appreciate DCIGRA鈥檚 continued interest in our efforts to provide equitable access to higher education to students in Delaware and Chester Counties,鈥� said 麻豆影院 President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin.

Established by Delaware County Council, DCIGRA鈥檚 mission is to improve the quality of life in Delaware County through the distribution of tax revenues from online gaming in Pennsylvania. DCIGRA invests in economic and community development, emergency services and non-profit organizations, with an emphasis on under-resourced communities.