Some things may have changed since you were a student at Glendale Community College. For example, housing and food insecurity are very real for today’s students.

According to the 2018 study of community college students “Struggling to Survive” by the Assembly Office of Research, 56% of community college students cut the size of their meals or skipped meals and were hungry because they didn’t have enough money for food. The survey also found that 35% of community college students were experiencing housing insecurity, and 14% were homeless.

Housing and food insecurity is due to many reasons but most students say they are working multiple jobs, caring for children or relatives, and the overall increase in living costs are causing these alarming issues. GCC is working with community partners to combat food insecurity for our students. The GCC Food Pantry Task Force was created in July 2016 to understand food insecurity among GCC students, to increase awareness of hunger and poverty issues among the GCC community, and to provide food, hygiene supplies, and poverty alleviation-related information to students in need. The Food Pantry Task Force has since merged with the existing Food For Thought Program, becoming the GCC Food For Thought Pantry. Glendale College President David Viar convened a Student Basic Needs ad hoc task force to identify all issues and GCC’s resources to support our students.

Thanks to our community partners:

• Oakmont League
• Keller Williams Realty
• Glendale Association of Realtors
• Kiwanis Club of Glendale
• Soroptimist International of Glendale
• Trader Joe’s – Montrose
• Sunrise Rotary

If you are interested in supporting our students facing issues, you may donate to the GCC Alumni Care fund. While we may not be able to solve these issues completely, we can help our students continue on their educational path to success and a greater life for themselves and their family.

Our campus partners include the Glendale College Foundation, Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC), El Vaquero student newspaper and the GCC Scholars. In fact, Glendale College Foundation has revised its Articles of Incorporation to become an official part of the Regional Food Bank. Now, in addition to weekly deliveries to our Food Pantry, they have helped bring a mobile unit to campus every month.

When you were a student at GCC, what were some of the barriers you faced? Who at GCC helped you navigate around them? Share your story with us and we will use your words of wisdom to help your fellow Vaqueros navigate these tremendous issues they are facing. Share with us at https://www.facebook.com/gccalumniassociation/.