EFSC’s Food Assistance Program Benefits from Grant

Eastern Florida State College recently announced an $8,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Brevard and a new partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to help stock the shelves in its Titan2Titan food pantries, supporting students in need.

“We are very grateful to both the Community Foundation for Brevard and the Second Harvest Food Bank for their generous support,” said College President Dr. Jim Richey.

“Their generosity will further enhance our ability to assist those in need on our campuses through our Titan2Titan program. This student-centered program provides food and clothing to help ensure our students have what they need to be successful.”

In 2018, Dr. Richey identified food insecurity as one of the factors inhibiting the success of some students at the college. To help address the issue head on, the Titan2Titan program was developed and quickly grew to address student needs on all four EFSC campuses – Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Titusville.

Initially, donations to the program came from caring faculty and staff members. However, their efforts were quickly supplemented through the EFSC Foundation and the local community.

Thanks to this generous giving, the Titan2Titan program was able to purchase refrigerators and freezers needed to store perishable food options at each campus location.

This allowed the markets to expand to include a selection of fresh and frozen foods available to any currently enrolled student who needs a helping hand. Even college employees who are having difficulty making ends meet will find the help they need at a Titan2Titan location so they can continue serving students.

The markets are staffed by students who can help with healthy meal ideas, plus professional clothing suggestions and hygiene items, which are also available at each location.

Ryan Osborne, a current student with EFSC who is working at the Titan2Titan market said, “I love helping my fellow students in such a meaningful way. I feel like I am making a real difference in their lives and my own community.”

“It’s exciting to see this program really take shape,” added EFSC Dean of Students Dr. Barbara Kennedy. “It is already challenging to ask for and accept help. We really wanted to provide a space that provided the most dignified experience possible.”

“Many of our students come to us hoping to improve their lives through education, but face challenges balancing family needs, paying bills, and staying afloat. If we can help get them over the hurdle, they can focus on their classes and gain the career of their dreams. That’s success, and that’s what we hope to help them achieve.”

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