The Madison College Foundation announced on Apr. 6 a matching gift challenge to support students experiencing food insecurity at Madison Area Technical College. Through May 3, all donations to the college’s Cupboard Student Food Pantry will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a donor, up to $10,000.
Food insecurity affects an estimated 35% of Madison College students and can impact their academic performance and persistence. The pantry offers groceries, personal care items, and nutritional education in a stigma-free environment. The need for these services has increased recently; the pantry expanded last year and has already served 1,321 students this academic year.
Students also have access to health resources and fresh produce through the Madison College Food Pantry Garden and a Community Supported Agriculture program linked with the pantry initiative. Daniela, a student who balances work with her studies, said: “The Cupboard Student Food Pantry has been a financial relief because it has allowed me to use the little money I have left over for other critical expenses such as rent, gas and medication.”
Bryan Woodhouse, CEO of the Madison College Foundation, said: “No student should have to choose between paying rent and having a meal. This matching challenge is an opportunity for our community to come together in a powerful way—to double their impact and directly support students working hard to build a better future.” Donations of $25 can provide one student with groceries for a week; $200 supplies hot lunch vouchers for 20 students.
Madison Area Technical College serves diverse communities across south-central Wisconsin according to its official website. The college features state-of-the-art facilities designed for practical training according to its official website and is affiliated with the Wisconsin Technical College System according to its official website. It offers more than 190 associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs as well as online options and study abroad opportunities according to its official website. The institution aims at fostering lifelong learning across diverse communities through open access higher education according to its official website. Dr. Jennifer Berne served as president in collaboration with the District Board of Trustees according to its official website.
Student Peer Health Educators are involved in teaching others how to prepare nutritious meals during events held by the Cupboard Student Food Pantry. Contributions can be made online or mailed directly; further details are available from the foundation.
