Members of the community have pledged funds for a college food bank supporting students and staff in need.
Hundreds of pounds have been donated to HSDC Alton’s food bank thanks to the generosity of local business Resurrection Furniture and voluntary organisation Alton Round Table.
The food bank was set up after the college’s Health & Wellbeing department identified an increasing need from students struggling with basics such as three meals a day, hot food and toiletries such as deodorant, toothpaste and washing tablets for their clothes.
The team was also seeing an increasing number of students who were sofa surfing or temporarily homeless so they created some overnight packs with essential items in. Support from the food bank is also available to college staff if needed.
Initially, the service was running with donations from staff but as demand began to outstrip supply the College began to look for funding from the community to help support the students.
Emma Ross with Sue Howe from the 8th Alton Scouts
Through mutual links from colleagues, a £500 donation from Resurrection Furniture was arranged, as well as £250 from the Round Table, which was presented by 8th Alton Scout Group.
Emma Ross, Health & Safeguarding Coordinator, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the donations – without their generosity we would not have been able to purchase the items to meet the students’ needs. I have seen so many young people that are so grateful to be able to have some basic items such as deodorant or toothpaste.
“We all know that being hungry or not feeling clean can be a real barrier to learning so giving a student the ability to cook a hot meal or wash their clothes can make a big difference to them being able to engage in education.”
To find out more or to offer support to the HSDC food bank, email well-being@hsdc.ac.uk.