ACTC receives $6k in grants to support Pathfinder Pantry

Published on Dec 12, 2024

Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) has been awarded two $3,000 grants from Swipe Out Hunger to support the Pathfinder Pantry at both the College Drive and Technology Drive campuses.

Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on ending college student hunger by partnering with colleges, legislators, and communities to combat food insecurity. The organization emphasizes that one in three students nationwide experience food insecurity and is the leading nonprofit in the effort to tackle this issue.  

“I am ecstatic to be awarded the grant for both pantries,” said Erin Cantrell, ACTC academic advisor and overseer of the Pathfinder Pantry. “The funds will be used to provide holiday dinners and potentially Easter dinners. I also plan to purchase a deep freezer for the Technology Drive Campus and stock up on shelf-stable items.  I’m hoping to bring back birthday boxes, that included cake mix, frosting, and cake decorations.”

The Pathfinder Pantry aims to support ACTC students by addressing basic needs and removing non-academic barriers to their success. The Pantry achieves this through partnerships with individual donors and local community organizations, which provide non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and other necessities.

“This funding will provide essential resources for those facing food insecurity,” said Steve Woodburn, ACTC chief student affairs officer. “With these grants, we can continue our work to ensure that no student has to choose between their education and meeting their basic needs.”

To access the pantry, students must be currently enrolled at ACTC and complete an online application. The Pathfinder Pantry is located on the College Drive Campus in Room 163 and on the Technology Drive Campus in Room 136A, inside the student lounge. Both locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4 p.m.

The pantries rely entirely on donations, and contributions of canned food or hygiene products are welcome. Donations can be dropped off at either location.

More information, as well as the form to apply, can be found online at https://ashland.kctcs.edu/about/student-life/pantry.aspx.