Courtesy of Benedict College
The $5 boxes are distributed every other week and contain nearly 10 pounds of fresh produce.
Students and staff at four local college campuses now have access to boxes of fresh produce for just $5.
FoodShare South Carolina launched the new program Wednesday at the University of South Carolina, Allen University, and Columbia College. Foodshare will soon be coming to Benedict College as well.
According to the national advocacy nonprofit, Swipe Out Hunger, one in three college students faced food insecurity.
Food insecurity is defined by the USDA as a household that has “limited or uncertain access to adequate food.”
Benedict College student Adrien Montalvo co-founded the campus food pantry more than a year and a half ago. She said she was surprised by the demand.
“We open twice a week, we see repeated students who we serve twice a week. We have served over 700 plus students,” said Montalvo.
Montalvo said according to surveys, Benedict students spend around $40 to $50 a week on food.
“A lot of students have asked for fruits and vegetables, so then, seeing the initiative for the Foodshare box I think it’s perfect because this is what student’s have been asking for,” said Montalvo.
