Johnston Community College Partners with Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
Published: Friday, February 14, 2025Johnston Community College (JCC) is proud to announce its official partnership with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina as a designated Partner Agency.
This collaboration will enhance JCC’s ability to support students experiencing food insecurity by providing access to essential food resources.
This week, JCC received its first shipment of food from the Food Bank to its Elevation
Market, marking a significant step in addressing hunger on campus. Faculty, staff,
and students, including volunteers from JCC’s TRIO program, came together to unload,
sort, and stock these much-needed items. Their collective effort underscores JCC’s
ongoing commitment to student well-being and success.
"This partnership is about more than just food—it’s about fostering a culture of care
and ensuring that no student has to choose between education and basic necessities," says
Dr. Felita Carr, director of student support services (TRIO) and coordinator of the
Elevation Market.
"By working together, we are building a stronger, more supportive campus community,"
Dr. Carr adds.
“The federal TRIO program is a cornerstone of student success at JCC, and frankly
all of the state’s community colleges, providing critical academic support, mentorship,
and resources to help students overcome barriers,” says JCC President Dr. Vern L.
Lindquist.
“This partnership with the Food Bank is an extension of that mission, ensuring that
students not only succeed in the classroom but also have access to the things they
need outside of the classroom,” Lindquist adds.
As part of this new collaboration, JCC has participated in the Food Bank’s New Agency
Orientation to finalize operational details and establish distribution procedures.
This training will ensure that JCC staff and volunteers can effectively manage food
distribution and maximize the impact of this initiative.