Pathfinder Pantry reopens to ACTC students

Feb. 3, 2021

ACTC student, Amanda Dillow, and her son are regular donors

 

ASHLAND, Ky. – Chrisha Spears, coordinator of Pathfinder Pantry, emailed students at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) that the Pantry was open on the first Tuesday of the Spring 2021 semester.

By Wednesday afternoon, she had ten requests for food. 

This was just another instance where she recognized the need for this service for ACTC’s students. 

“Food programs are available to students in K-12, but hunger doesn't stop when you graduate from high school. Programs like Pathfinder Pantry help college students sustain brain power to be successful in their classes,” Spears said. 

The Pantry stays open because of partnerships with local food banks and donations from private individuals. 

“Pathfinder Pantry is an ACTC family initiative. This pantry serves students and even some staff/faculty. Every donation helps, whether it is a non-perishable item or money to our Foundation,” Spears said. 

Amanda Dillow, a student at ACTC, is one of the Pantry’s most loyal donors. 

“I like to donate to the Pantry because I know it would help someone who is struggling with basic needs while trying to get their education,” Dillow said. “I try to donate every month if I can. I also donate to other places, mostly to friends and people asking for help on Facebook.  I think it is very rewarding and hope to encourage others to donate if they can.”  

Dillow is able to donate regularly because she “coupons” and purchases items that are necessities for the Pantry at a discount. 

“It means a lot to me to be able to support my peers by donating to the Pantry. Donating does not only benefit the person receiving goods but also for the person giving,” she said. “I am grateful that ACTC has this for the students.”

Spears says the Pantry’s most needed items are as follows:

•           Breakfast items - oatmeal, cereal, pop tarts, cereal bars, granola bars, etc

•           Peanut Butter

•           Jelly - sugar free is appreciated

•           Canned tuna

•           Canned chicken

•           Vienna sausages

•           Beanie Weenies

•           Canned Beans - pinto, black beans, chili beans

•           Canned tomatoes - chili, soups

•           Rice - instant rice, Rice a Roni, Knorr rice

•           Noodles - side dishes, Knorr noodles, Noodle Roni (preferably not Ramen)

•           Canned pasta - ravioli, spaghetti o's, etc

“I am so glad to see students contribute to the Pantry, whether individually like Amanda, or as a service project through their class, like Dr. Mary Cat Flath's classes have done,” Spears said. “Everyone struggles at some point, and to be able to donate just a few things, can make a difference. I believe that we give because we can, not because we have to. Pay it forward because you never know when you might need help.”

If you would like more information or would like to donate, please email as_pantry@kctcs.edu.

Any ACTC student who need assistance can fill out this form: https://ashland.kctcs.edu/about/student-life/pantry.aspx