ECC students open on-campus food pantry

Elgin Community College will be opening a campus food pantry to help benefit the 28 percent of students who are economically disadvantaged.

The Spartan Food Pantry, operated and stocked by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society members, will host a grand opening on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The food pantry is located in Building B, Room B175. Hours of operation for the spring semester are 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.

"I come from a low-income family so I can personally relate to students in need," said Karina Nava, a PTK service officer who helped bring the food pantry to fruition. "It's hard trying to work to support yourself and your family while trying to pay for tuition."

The Spartan Food Pantry is currently accepting nonperishable food donations, including peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit and vegetables, low-sugar cereals, breakfast bars, 100-percent juice, macaroni and high protein meals such as tuna, chili, soups and canned meat.

Other basic necessities, personal grooming items, plastic and paper bags can be dropped off at the Student Life Office, in Building B, Room B173. Donations by check should be made out to the ECC Foundation, but include Spartan Food Pantry on the memo line, and mailed to 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123.

"The food pantry is a key resource for financially struggling students," said Ben Zacker, a PTK fellowship officer. "It allows them to attend class, pay for books and not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from."