Local philanthropists fund new food pantry at Cuyahoga Community College

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June for a new food pantry at the Metro Campus Center. Funding for the project came from a donation from Char and Chuck Fowler to the Tri-C Foundation. The Pantry is open Monday through Thursday to distribute food, toiletries, and other basic goods. According to a news release, students facing food insecurity are less likely to achieve good grades and complete degree programs. Students who access the food pantry will also receive information about other support services available through Tri-C. 

The Fowlers not only donated money, but took an active role in the planning and development of The Pantry. Part of the vision in its creation was to remove the stigma of accessing resources like food pantries. President of the Metro Campus of Tri-C, Denise McCory, explained, "We want our students to know there is no stigma associated with using a food pantry. That's why this is a welcoming and conveniently located space that will encourage more students to take advantage of this resource."

The news release from the college says that food insecurity has been a challenge for its students for years, but that the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation. Facing issues like food insecurity can be a significant barrier to educational and career success, according to Megan O'Bryan, president of the Tri-C Foundation. O'Bryan stated, "For too many of our students, food insecurity can be a significant barrier to realizing their dreams. We are honored to work alongside our friends, Char and Chuck Fowler, in making this investment in our students and their success."

The donation to the Tri-C Foundation also established the Fowler Family Student Success and Resource Fund, which will assist students with short-term expenses, as well as continue to fund The Pantry. O'Bryan explained, "It's an approach that will meet the holistic needs of Tri-C students. With the establishment of the Fowler Family Student Success and Resource Fund, we can meet students' basic personal needs and provide the emergency resources to get them through a challenging time."

The Pantry will be stocked by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which partners with the Tri-C Foundation. Char Fowler said of the project, "Chuck and I were happy to work with the great team at Tri-C. Cleveland is fortunate to have this caring, quality college in our midst."