BRTC Food Pantry Organizers Erin Faulkner (left) and Christina Derbes organize the Thanksgiving dinner baskets
The Black River Technical College (BRTC) Food Pantry delivered 12 Thanksgiving baskets to BRTC students on both campuses.
“During this season of Thanksgiving. BRTC feels blessed to be able to help students through the thoughtful donations from faculty, staff, and our community,” said BRTC Food Pantry Organizer Christina Derbes. “Each basket represents kindness and generosity and is a testament to the power of unity during this season of caring.”
The baskets included a frozen turkey, green beans, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, rolls, cake mix with frosting, cooking oil, and a variety of Little Debbie cakes.
Many BRTC students and their families struggle to access adequate food. To help students mitigate this need, BRTC accepts donations of food, Walmart and grocery store gift cards, and money to stock the BRTC food pantry.
The BRTC food pantry is excited to help students in need. A student must complete an application and produce a current BRTC student I.D.
Food bags consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days for a family of four. Breakfasts include a box of cereal or pancake mix with syrup or oatmeal. Lunches include soup, ramen noodles, or mac and cheese. Dinners include beans and cornbread, spaghetti noodles with meat sauce and 2 cans of vegetables, and tuna or chicken helper with tuna or chicken, and two cans of vegetables. Snacks of peanut butter and jelly with crackers or pop tarts, and cereal bars are also included.
The food pantry also distributes baby formula, diapers, and personal hygiene items as available. Other items are available occasionally depending on what has been donated. Also, at Thanksgiving “we provide select students with a turkey and sides for a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Derbes.
The pantry is a collaboration between the Student Government Association and the Nutrition and Dietetics Club.
For more information or to donate, contact Christina Derbes by phone at (870) 248-4000, ext. 4168 or christina.derbes@blackrivertech.edu.
Donations submitted through the BRTC Foundation are tax-deductible. Donations can also be given online at https://brtc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/brtc/donation.jsp.
