According to a recent press release, roughly forty percent of Valencia College students reported that they were financially unable to buy adequate amounts of food, according to a survey administered by the college in 2021.
In an effort to help ease the burden of full-time scholarship, Valencia College officials just unveiled a newly expanded pantry and holistic support center on its West Campus, thanks to a major donation from Florida Blue Foundation.
VCentials (Website) now offers essential items like food, community and social services, counseling, financial literacy, and more. Students can take up to 10 items each day, ranging from fresh produce and meals to personal hygiene items, and even formula and diapers on a short-term basis.
“Students of all ages are facing food security challenges like never before,” said Susan Towler, executive director of Florida Blue Foundation. “By supporting programs that make healthy food more accessible and affordable in communities across our state, the Florida Blue Foundation and our partners are meaningfully improving the health and well-being of children, families, and communities.”
