Reynolds CC earns state grant to address student food-insecurity
Reynolds Community College has been awarded a $14,881 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to help address student food insecurity.
Reynolds is one of 48 public and private institutions statewide selected to receive funding through the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program, enacted by the Virginia General Assembly last year.
The grant will allow Reynolds to continue strengthening the Red Hawk Food Pantry, expand partnerships with community organizations and build sustainable, long-term solutions to support students facing food insecurity.
“More than 40% of college students experience food insecurity at some point, which can lead to several adverse outcomes, including dropping out of school,” said Scott Fleming, SCHEV’s executive director. “Virginia’s investment in campus food pantries will help keep our students on track to reach their educational goals.”
The grant aligns with recommendations from SCHEV’s 2024 report on campus food insecurity, which encourages institutions to normalize seeking help, involve students in solutions and leverage partnerships to expand access to essential resources.
“I am incredibly proud of the unwavering commitment my team demonstrates every day to secure critical resources in support of our students,” said Jennifer V. Mezquita-Macaia, vice president of student affairs at Reynolds. “Advocacy is not just a priority — it’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly.”
SCHEV awarded a total of $500,000 statewide to combat campus hunger. Funding amounts are based on the percentage of in-state Federal Pell Grant-eligible students enrolled at each institution.
