Davidson County Community College

THOMASVILLE — Publix Super Market Charities, a foundation established by grocery store founder George Jenkins, made a $3,000 donation that will help provide meals to students at Davidson County Community College.

A little over a year ago, the college responded to a student survey in which 61 percent reported experiencing food insecurity at some point in their lives. More than half of those surveyed agreed that an on-campus food pantry was needed.

The survey responses led to the development of a campus food pantry in the Brooks Student Center. The Storm Food pantry offers nonperishable foods to any current DCCC student with a valid campus ID.

The pantry functions much like a grocery store. Any student may visit the pantry. The first step is to complete a food pantry request form that asks basic information about the student’s household and what kinds of food he is interested in.

The amount of food provided depends on the number of people in the student’s family. A volunteer shopping assistant is available to guide students through the pantry as they make their selections. Students can access the pantry once a week or can make an appointment through the Office of Student Life, Single Stop or online with the Starfish tool.

This is the first grant to the Storm Food Pantry from Publix Super Market Charities. In 1966, Jenkins, affectionately known as “Mr. George,” established a charitable foundation with a vision that the giving would continue long after he was gone.

Currently under the leadership of George’s daughter, Carol Jenkins Barnett, Publix Super Markets Charities serves the communities in which Publix operates. And the legacy of giving continues.

“We believe your organization exemplifies that mission and are pleased to play a part in your efforts,” the charity’s executive director, Kelly Williams-Puccio, wrote to DCCC.

The Publix Super Market Charities grant will be used to help sustain the food pantry.

“We will purchase nonperishable food items such as canned meat, soup, canned vegetables, pasta and cereal or prepared meals, stew, chili and spaghetti,” said Lynne Watts, director of student life. “We don’t want hunger to be a barrier for a student to get his or her education.”