(L-R) Sasha Foyster, Learner Voice Adviser within Student Services, Brandon Mitchell, Business Administrator Apprentice and Phoenix Wood, Learning for Living and Work student.
We have created 150 food packs for students who may need support over the festive season in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.
For the second year running we have brought back ‘The Pantry’, a hub where donations can be made, and students can discreetly collect a pack if needed.
The project was so successful in assisting students last year, it was deemed necessary to bring it back to help those who may need it during the Christmas break.
“Following the success and support for last year’s food collection and the continuous rise in food prices, we decided that The Pantry needed to return to support students over the Christmas break.”
Research conducted by the Post Office* found that 61 percent of people are worried about the expense of putting food on the table this Christmas, which prompted the college to begin collecting non-perishable food in October, ensuring enough supplies were available.
Collection boxes were in each department which saw hundreds of items donated, including a large donation from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Centre.
We received several donations from local businesses, including 15 selection boxes from Tesco Stairfoot, 15 selection boxes from Tesco Hoyland and £450 in supermarket vouchers from Balmoral Tanks in Thurnscoe.
Students from the college’s Sixth Form wrote Christmas cards to include in each food pack. Inside each card was a Wentworth Castle Gardens admission voucher, donated by the National Trust.
Each student collecting a food pack also has the option to collect a hygiene pack, containing items such as toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, and body wash.
Sasha Foyster, Learner Voice Adviser within Student Services who led the collection, said: “Following the success and support for last year’s food collection and the continuous rise in food prices, we decided that The Pantry needed to return to support students over the Christmas break.
“With help from departments across the college, we identified students that needed support over Christmas, and we ensured packages were either taken to outlying sites or students could come discreetly and pick up a parcel.”
Motor Vehicle students, Apprentices, and college staff with some of the food packs.
*Data from Post Office’s November 2023 Cash Tracker report
Last updated: 18th December 2023
Originally posted on: 18th December 2023