The issue of student hunger often goes unnoticed, but not at Austin Community College District (ACC), which is taking a proactive stance with its recent push to combat food insecurity amongst its scholars. The initiative centers on the Riverside Campus, where ACC's Social Support Resource Development has joined forces with the City of Austin and the Central Texas Food Bank to pilot a program directly aimed at feeding students in need.
Starting this new venture is the FM2: Free Meal and Farmers Market and Groceries-to-Go, a no-cost farmers market exclusively tailored to ACC attendees. An awning situated between buildings A and G becomes the hub of activity every fourth Tuesday of the month, where from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., students are able to not only pick up groceries and a hot meal but also to connect with essential resources such as Student Life, Financial Aid, and SNAP Enrollment services.
Adding a layer of convenience to this food distribution program are the self-serve kiosks. These stations, available to ACC students round-the-clock during usual campus operating hours, are designed to streamline access to necessities. Based at the Riverside Campus in the Frank Squires Building and at El Centro in Building G, the kiosks operate with a simple QR code sign-in process, allowing students to take what they need efficiently and without hassle.
The ACC program takes a step further to ensure that no student is left behind. A pre-pandemic survey that reportedly pointed to substantial food insecurity among college students nationwide underscores the relevance and urgency of ACC's efforts. It is clear that the college has chosen to not only talk about solutions but to actively be the solution for students facing such challenges.
For those seeking more information on this benevolent effort, details are readily available on the program's dedicated site. By visiting austincc.edu/groceries2go or by directly reaching out via email to the Social Support Resource Development, students can learn more about the FM2 initiative and other food distribution opportunities at the college.
