WCCC Receives $29,000 Hannaford Gift to Expand Caring Cupboard Food Access

Smart refrigerator and pantry entrance improvements will expand access to fresh food and support safer deliveries

CALAIS, Maine — Washington County Community College (WCCC) will receive $29,000 from Hannaford to expand access to fresh food through its Caring Cupboard food pantry. The gift will fund an automated smart refrigerator, an initial supply of food, and a new exterior access door to make pantry deliveries safer and more efficient. The smart refrigerator will be located near the existing Caring Cupboard operated by WCCC’s Student Advocacy and Resource Center (SARC), giving students access to fresh food beyond traditional staffed pantry hours.

“One of the most important benefits of this project is that students will have access to food when it fits their schedules, whether that is early in the morning, late at night, or between classes; the smart refrigerator also provides an added level of privacy, allowing students to access resources discreetly and with dignity while maintaining their independence” said Lisa Brown, Coordinator of the SARC.

“For students balancing college with work and family responsibilities, knowing they can access nutritious food when they need it can make a real difference,” said Dr. Tyler Stoldt, dean of enrollment management and student services at WCCC. “Hannaford’s support will help us meet that basic need so students can focus on their education and keep moving toward their goals.”

The Caring Cupboard is part of WCCC’s broader work through the SARC to help students meet basic needs and address barriers that can interrupt their education. WCCC’s award is part of Hannaford’s latest Fuel Kids at School investment supporting food access at all seven of Maine’s community colleges through the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges. The latest gift brings Hannaford’s total donations to Maine’s community colleges to $1.3 million since 2011.