Institutional data gathered by Florence-Darlington Technical College shows that 70% of the college’s student population is low-income, and many of them have food insecurities. The FDTC community came together on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 for a ribbon cutting to unveil the newly established food bank located on the first floor of the 5000 Building. On hand for the ribbon cutting was FDTC President, Dr. Ben Dillard, as well as students, faculty, staff and individuals from the community.
“I’m so glad that we’re able to help our students out,” Dr. Dillard said. “No student should leave our campus hungry. I’m really proud of everyone who came together to make this food bank a reality. Hopefully we’ll continue to receive donations throughout the year and help even more students.”
In an effort to help students, faculty and staff collected thousands of canned goods and other non-perishable food items during the Spring 2016 “Yes We CAN” Food Drive earlier this year.
The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SiMT) collected more than 1,000 items, while the Bookstore collected more than 600 items, and Admissions and K-12 collected more than 400 items.
“It’s so wonderful to see everyone come together to help our students out,” said Director of Student Life, Leroy D. Gibson Jr. “Some of our students are really hungry, and it’s hard for them to perform at their highest ability in the classroom when they don’t have the proper nutrition.”
Although the Spring 2016 “Yes We CAN” Food Drive has come to a close, the efforts are on-going. The FDTC food bank will continue to receive food stuffs year-round, and the college still needs generous donations. The items collected will be available to low-income students.
To donate canned goods or non-perishable food items, please drop them off in the Student Life Department, located on the first floor of the 5000 Building.
For more information on the FDTC food bank, please contact Iyona Sansbury by calling (843) 661-8023 or by emailing her at Iyona.Sansbury@fdtc.edu.
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