MOBILE, Ala., July 24, 2025 – Bishop State Community College’s student-led Food Security Initiative has been selected as one of only three recipients of the national IMPACT Grant, securing $7,000 to support ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity on campus! This marks the first time in IMPACT history that the same institution has received the award twice!

The Food Security Initiative began when student leaders from Bishop State’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society noticed a concerning trend: students were frequently mentioning the lack of food options available on campus. Their curiosity led to research and ultimately action.

“We are so proud of our students and the commitment they’ve shown to creating real, lasting change for their peers,” said PTK Advisor and Art Instructor Lydia Host. “The project is a true team effort. It reflects the power of student voices when they are supported by our administration.”

“It’s easy to support student-led missions like this Food Insecurity Initiative,” said Bishop State President Olivier Charles. “It perfectly aligns with one of our goals, which is to meet students where they are and help remove the barriers to their success.”

PTK students partnered with Bishop State’s Office of Institutional Research to design and conduct a Food Security Survey, which drew 356 student responses. The results revealed alarming levels of food insecurity, both at home and on campus. The survey also confirmed that Bishop State is located within a federally designated food desert, underscoring the urgent need for solutions.

Working with Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Andrea Agnew, PTK students helped craft and submit a grant proposal to IMPACT. The resulting $7,000 grant will help the students pursue four key goals:

1. Enhancing Food Pantry Capacity and Options: Expanding the reach and offerings of the college’s on-campus food pantry in coordination with Symentha McDonald, Student Activities Coordinator.

2. Connecting Students to Resources: Offering more information and access to community-based food programs.

3. Developing Food Literacy Skills: Partnering with the culinary arts program to host educational workshops on budgeting and nutrition, as well as cooking workshops on meal preparation, to empower students with practical skills.

4. Providing Immediate Relief: Launching a new “Bishop Basket” initiative with free food stations in student lounges across the Downtown, Southwest, and Carver locations.

The impact extends beyond the campus. “Working with the food pantry has inspired me to continue finding ways to connect people with the resources they need,” said Marcus English, graduating PTK chapter president. “This project has shown me how much change can happen when students speak up and act.”

The Food Security Initiative is just one more way Bishop State is living out its mission by ensuring that students not only have access to education but also the support and resources they need to thrive.