Columbia Basin Foundation gives $1000 to Viking Food Pantry

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College was recently awarded a $1,000 grant to support its Viking Food Pantry (VFP), courtesy of the Columbia Basin Foundation.

The Viking Food Pantry, opened in 2016, supports the BBCC community by providing essential basic need items such as food, hygiene products, lunch/snack items, and clothing.

“In a three-week time span last month in October, the VFP had over 309 visits to access only food items. That is 92 more visits than the previous full month of October in 2023,” said Tara White, Workforce Education Services Benefits Navigator. “Why is this important? These statistics are only going to increase over time with the rise of the cost of living for our students. Food security is essential in promoting stability and success for our students to reach their educational goals.”

Separate from the main food pantry in the 1400 building, the VFP has snack stations across campus, grab and go meal bags at the Bonaudi Library and a satellite pantry (VFP2) in our residence halls that is accessible after regular VFP hours to students who reside on-campus.

Donations are very important for the VFP to be able to serve students in need at Big Bend. The VFP runs completely off donations from BBCC employees, students, the BBCC Foundation and community organizations.

“Without these donations the VFP would not be able to provide these basic essential to our students,” White said.

For more information, including how to donate, visit the Viking Food Pantry page at: https://www.bigbend.edu/student-center/viking-food-pantry/