Yuma, Arizona (azfamily) – For many university students, the challenge of balancing tuition, rent and daily expenses means food is not necessarily guaranteed.
That’s why Arizona Western College (AWC) is working to keep its food pantries fully stocked, as they say demand has quadrupleded this semester.
International student Anna Ricafort says that when you exchange Philippine currency for US dollars, there is little left in the food.
“I didn’t know they were offering free meal vouchers. It actually helps me a lot because I’m budgeting. I had to use Excel sheets to see how much I was spending on food,” she said.
AWC’s Cubby is a lifeline for her and dozens of other students. This serves as a storefront where students can receive food vouchers and pick up essential groceries.
Each week, they serve up to 20 foods per student and vouchers for hot meals at restaurants on the AWC campus.
“I usually get 20 items and take them home, and usually pack them up and take them to school,” Ricafort said.
Leticia Chabolla is the first smile that students see when they step into Cubby.
She said for some students the free meals they receive might be their only meal of the day.
“There was one student who said he was worried that his mother wasn’t eating, so I was really grateful to hear about the services we provided,” Chabola said.
Chabolla can also direct students to other resources and provide additional help.
It is estimated to be 23% of university students. Face anxiety.
National Institutes of Health They say that the two key demographics of AWC are first-generation and low-income students.
“We show that the vast majority of students are financially aid and there is that financial struggle at home,” said Laura Sandigo, director of student resource services at the university.
Sandigo stocks Cubby and Mini Cubbies across campus, working with local food banks and relies entirely on donations.
“We have a fridge so we can accept cheese, yogurt, carrot sticks and more,” Sandigo said.
Along with word of mouth, traffic in Cubes has increased. For students like Ricafort, it was a great help for students who spread the word to all their friends.
“I actually do help a lot, because some of them are budgeted on food too,” she said.
People can either drop their donations off Cubby in the Mac building or call (928) 344-7517 to see how they can help.
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