The Edmonds College Food Pantry began as a single metal storage locker of nonperishables in 2018. After six years of continuous growth, it has served more than 24,000 students, faculty and staff at the college.
The metal locker turned “Trident Resource Hub” now offers resources for students and staff experiencing financial issues. The average student age is 30 when most people are no longer receiving any parental support. Although nearly half of students work at least part-time, it can be challenging to pay for academic costs on top of the rising cost of living. Furthermore, almost one in five students have children or other dependents in their care.
A current student, Melanie (name changed for privacy), shared that she is a single mom of two children pursuing her dream of becoming a behavioral therapist. Her long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree and specialize in helping families impacted by substance abuse.
Staples like peanut butter and bread provide her son with lunch for the week, which he makes himself. Chicken Caesar salad is one of her family’s favorite meals she makes from items received from the Food Pantry.
Every single dollar in her budget is accounted for, so she plans her schedule around the Food Pantry hours because she cannot afford to miss an opportunity to provide nutritious food for her family. Consistent access to food removes a huge stressor and gives her hope that she will achieve her goals.
“It’s like a one-stop shop, so students can get food, hygiene products, as well as seek additional resources upstairs through emergency grants. And if all our resources aren’t enough, then we have our 211 navigators who can provide resources in the community,” Stewart Sinning, Program Manager at the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership said.
This year the pantry was able to purchase an additional fridge with grant funding to help stock perishable goods such as milk, eggs, vegetables and more. Pantry Coordinator Jamie Worm said that food usually goes pretty fast.
Based on previous surveys, Sinning and his team have found that Edmonds College students have a higher average of food insecurities than the state average. The pantry itself sees roughly 125-150 students a week, Sinning said.
“I noticed that there are a lot of small families, like maybe a person who just has been here a year or so who is taking an English class, and they have four kids… they need a little bit of support while studying,” Worm said. “They are always emotionally grateful and it makes a huge difference.”
The hub is run mostly by student volunteers and the help of Worm who started in February. Worm joined the food pantry because she always had a need to serve others.
“The food pantry is the best thing Edmonds College has done in the last 20 years,” a faculty member shopping at the pantry said.
People come and they say ‘It feels like I’m coming home when I come here’ and then people start bringing their friends and family. It starts to be this big community where people support and recognize each other,” Worm said.
Verdant Health Commission, also known as Public Hospital District No. 2, Snohomish County, is dedicated to ensuring quality healthcare is available to all residents in South Snohomish County. Since 2011, Verdant has invested $87 million dollars in community nonprofits that provide free or low-cost access to health programs and services.
