BRTC Food Pantry Distributes Thanksgiving Baskets to Students in Need

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Black River Technical College (BRTC) Food Pantry delivered a total of 35 Thanksgiving baskets to BRTC students on both campuses, the most the pantry has delivered since beginning in 2022. The baskets included a frozen turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls, corn, green beans, gravy pie, and a breakfast item.

“Preparing our Thanksgiving baskets is one of the biggest joys of my year,” Nutrition Instructor and Food Pantry Coordinator Christina Derbes said. “Knowing that a student will have a warm meal and feel cared for reminds me why community matters so deeply.” Derbes said it is more than food; it is love, support, and hope packaged together. She expressed her appreciation for the pantry team, whose compassion, hard work, and dedication make it all possible.

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One student also reached out to share their gratitude and said the pantry’s kindness made a tremendous difference for their family in a season where it truly matters.

Many BRTC students and their families struggle to access adequate food. To help students mitigate this need, BRTC accepts food and monetary donations to stock the food pantry. To use the food pantry, students must complete an application and produce a current BRTC student ID.  The food pantry also distributes baby formula, diapers, and personal hygiene items as available. Outside of the holidays, the pantry provides food bags that consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days for a family of four.

For more information about the food pantry contact Christina Derbes at (870) 248-4168, or email her at christina.derbes@blackrivertech.edu. If you would like to donate to the food pantry visit https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=YxejSLlxHbB05pIcQkrshcAV0oFeO64CB0jq4LGYgPsHEI6_QRCle6VGVmKMh_KFF31w9OLLjnG6Ju0Y.