Johnston Community College Partners with Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to Support St

Smithfield, NC – (February 13, 2025) – Johnston Community College (JCC) is proud to announce its official partnership with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina as a designated Partner Agency. This collaboration will enhance JCC’s ability to support students experiencing food insecurity by providing access to essential food resources.

This week, JCC received its first shipment of food from the Food Bank to its Elevation Market, marking a significant step in addressing hunger on campus. Faculty, staff, and students, including volunteers from JCC’s TRIO program, came together to unload, sort, and stock these much-needed items. Their collective effort underscores JCC’s ongoing commitment to student well-being and success.

"This partnership is about more than just food—it’s about fostering a culture of care and ensuring that no student has to choose between education and basic necessities," says Dr. Felita Carr, director of student support services (TRIO) and coordinator of the Elevation Market. 

"By working together, we are building a stronger, more supportive campus community," Dr. Carr adds.

“The federal TRIO program is a cornerstone of student success at JCC, and frankly all of the state’s community colleges, providing critical academic support, mentorship, and resources to help students overcome barriers,” says JCC President Dr. Vern L. Lindquist.

“This partnership with the Food Bank is an extension of that mission, ensuring that students not only succeed in the classroom but also have access to the things they need outside of the classroom,” Lindquist adds.
 

As part of this new collaboration, JCC has participated in the Food Bank’s New Agency Orientation to finalize operational details and establish distribution procedures. This training will ensure that JCC staff and volunteers can effectively manage food distribution and maximize the impact of this initiative.
 

 

About Johnston Community College
 
Established in 1969, Johnston Community College is a comprehensive community college within the North Carolina System, offering more than 35 academic programs and numerous continuing education programs, services and opportunities. The College provides programming through its main campus in Smithfield as well as the Cleveland Center, Arboretum, Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center and the Workforce Development Center. For more, visit: www.johnstoncc.edu.
 
Johnston Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Johnston Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
 
JCC is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.
 
About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has provided food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties for over 40 years. The Food Bank works with partner agencies like JCC to distribute nutritious food to individuals and families in need.
 

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