Members of East Central Community College chapter of Phi Beta Lambda unveiled Warrior POST (Providing Others Support Together) , a food closet for needy students, last Tuesday on the second floor of Tucker Applied Technology Center, along with members of the ECCC administration, Newton County officials and sorority advisers.
In a short ceremony prior to cutting the ribbon on the new food pantry, Christy Ferguson, PBL advisor and business technology instructor at ECCC, said the creation of a food pantry was only possible through the cooperation of many on-campus groups. She said a big thank you is owed to all student groups, faculty and administrators who helped make the project come to life.
“I would just like to thank our administration for seeing the need of our students and their willingness to help,” she said. “During the months of November and December, several student organizations assisted with the food pantry, and we appreciate their support.”
ECCC president Billy Stewart said food insecurity wasn’t something he initially thought of affecting college students. However, he said he was grateful students in Phi Beta Lambda saw the need among their peers and took it upon themselves to find a solution.
“I have to tell you, as president I am so proud of these students and their sponsors for the creation of Warrior POST to address this issue of hunger among our students,” he said.
Stewart said the initiative shown by these students to help their peers represents the true Warrior values of respect and dignity for every human being.
“I believe this food pantry reflects our core value of respect,” he said. “We acknowledge the value and dignity of every member of the college family and choose to treat on another as we want to be treated.”
With the creation of Warrior POST, Stewart said the members of Phi Beta Lambda have not only helped their fellow students, but they also moved the college forward in its goal to meet student needs in all areas, not just education.
Teresa Mackey, vice president for student instruction, echoed Stewarts praise for Phi Beta Lambda and added the food pantry is open for all students who are struggling to get enough to eat. She said she hoped the EC student population would take advantage of the program and help end food insecurity on campus.
While Warrior POST is officially open, there is still plenty of room for food items, Ferguson said. Whether it’s a student group, community organization, church, business or individual, all are welcome to help support Phi Beta Lambda’s efforts by donating non-perishable food or making a monetary donation which will go buy food for the pantry.
Those wishing to help out can go online to www.eccc.edu/warrior-post to make a donation or view a list of currently needed items, or email warriorpost@gmail.com.
