AIKEN, S.C. () – Aiken Technical College opened its food pantry in Fall 2024, and on Wednesday, it celebrated its first year in helping to reduce food insecurity.

The food pantry has been supported through a partnership with Golden Harvest Food Bank and grant funds from the community foundation for the CSRA.

“In 2024, the Government Accountability Office released data that stated that almost 4 million campus students on higher education campuses experienced food insecurity. And out of those 2.2 million regularly experienced very low food insecurity,” said Jake Griffis, CEO of Golden Harvest Food Bank.

“We really don’t want students to feel bad about using our pantry,” said Melinda Rodgers, VP of Student Affairs. “We want to encourage them to use it. It’s a resource, just like going to a tutor. If you have a need, we want to be able to help you meet that need.”

The celebration on Sept. 10 included an open house and community showcase.

Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie