Wor-Wic Community College tackles food insecurity on campus

In Salisbury, one local college is making strides to tackle to food insecurity on their campus.

According to a recent report, a third of community college students are food insecure.

Dr. Ray Hoy, the president at Wor-Wic Community College is aware of those numbers and recognizes that it's also an issue on his campus.

"I think it's important to recognize that almost over 60 percent of the students in our local region are on free or reduced meal is the public schools, but once they come to college, there is nothing available any longer," says Dr. Hoy.

Dr. Ray Hoy tells us when students come to college they are often faced with tough financial decisions, such as buying their text books or buying their next meal. 

"They're not studying because they're worried about their next  meal is coming from, and we don't want that to be an impediment to their success as students," says Dr. Hoy.

Wor- Wic has responded to this issue by placing a garden and food pantry on their campus. Students and staff work together to grow produce and distribute it to those in need.

"We are going to have these resources available 2 days a week for our students, and perhaps even staff who might have some issues," says Dr. Hoy.

The college is also receiving help from local organizations such as the Maryland food bank to help keep their pantry shelves stocked throughout the year.

School officials tell us they will be accepting food and monetary donations to supply their pantry. Monetary donations and checks payable to the Wor-Wic Foundation with "Food for Students" written on the memo portion, can be mailed to the Wor-Wic Foundation, 32000 Campus Drive, Salisbury, MD, 21801 or call 410-334-2948 to give my credit card.