UTech, UWI, and Edna Manley Students Thrive with GraceKennedy Food Bank Support
Over 300 students at the University of Technology (UTech), The University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts are finding relief through the GraceKennedy Campus Connect Food Bank. This initiative is a lifeline for many, addressing a pressing issue: food insecurity among tertiary-level students.
For many students, financial aid often covers tuition and textbooks but leaves little room for daily meals. The reality is stark—hunger is a daily struggle for numerous students. The GraceKennedy Food Bank steps in to fill this gap, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from.
Caroline Mahfood, CEO of the GraceKennedy Foundation, emphasizes the importance of sustainability in this initiative. “We’ve partnered with GraceKennedy subsidiaries and other Jamaican companies committed to supporting students in need,” she explains. This collaboration not only strengthens the food bank but also ensures that it can continue to provide essential support for years to come.
The food bank operates with a clear mission: to make assistance accessible and fair. Beneficiaries are primarily referred through campus financial aid offices, which verify their needs. “We also work closely with student unions and guilds to identify those facing hardship,” Mahfood adds. This approach maintains dignity and confidentiality for the students, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.
Each month, students receive a balanced package of grocery essentials. These packages include staples like rice, flour, oats, pasta, canned meats, vegetables, soups, milk, and cooking oil. The items are chosen for their nutritional value and versatility, allowing students to prepare a variety of meals. While all beneficiaries receive a standard package, additional support is available for those with greater needs.
Many students rely on these packages not just for themselves but also to support their families. The impact of the food bank extends beyond individual students, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The GK Campus Connect Food Bank was born in April 2019, thanks to the vision of Norval Mendez and Claudine Reid. As UWI undergraduates, they initially provided small food packages under the ‘Hands Across the Hall Action Project.’ However, the overwhelming demand led them to approach GraceKennedy for a larger-scale solution. Since then, the food bank has supported over 7,700 students and has even contributed to feeding programs during exam periods.
Jizelle Walcott, the food bank coordinator, highlights the necessity of this initiative. “While the food bank is a relatively new concept in Jamaica, it’s crucial. We want to give back to our future leaders,” she says. Funded by donations from the GraceKennedy Group and the Jamaican private sector, the food bank continues to seek more support to sustain its monthly operations.
Malika Lyttle, a final-year biomedical engineering student and GraceKennedy scholar, shares her experience: “The food bank has been incredibly beneficial. I spend a lot on engineering project components, so having access to nutritious food helps me focus on my studies without the added stress of food costs.”
As the GraceKennedy Campus Connect Food Bank continues to grow, one can’t help but wonder: how many more students could benefit from such initiatives? With the right support, the future looks brighter for students navigating the challenges of higher education in Jamaica.