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The Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Foundation has been awarded a $5,300 grant from the Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger. This grant will support the “Nourishing Diversity at Monty’s Market” project, an initiative aimed at expanding the food offerings at MWCC’s on-campus food pantries, Monty’s Market, to better meet the diverse dietary needs of MWCC students.
The grant will provide funding to address food insecurity among MWCC students, with a particular focus on those facing cultural, medical, and dietary challenges. The project will ensure the availability of a wider variety of foods, including halal, kosher, Latin American, Asian, and African options. Additionally, allergen-free, gluten-free, low-sodium, and low-glycemic food options will be stocked to support students with specific dietary needs.
“We are grateful to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for their generous support,” said Terry Young, Basic Needs Specialist at MWCC. “This grant will allow us to serve our students more effectively by providing foods that meet both their nutritional and cultural needs, helping them feel supported and valued in our community.”
Monty’s Market provides comprehensive support to students facing basic needs insecurity. In addition to food pantries located at the Gardner and Leominster campuses, Monty’s Market also stocks community fridges at all MWCC campuses. MWCC’s Basic Needs Specialist, Terry Young, oversees the Monty’s Market, coordinating the use of grant funds and the distribution of food across the campus locations.
Young is supported by the new Monty’s Market Manager, a full-time position funded through the Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students grant from the US Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. The Manager of Monty’s Market is responsible for day-to-day operations, including coordinating data collection, conducting customer satisfaction surveys, and ensuring the success of the project.
The need for diverse food options at Monty’s Market was highlighted by an internal survey conducted in November 2023, which showed a significant number of students facing food insecurity and a strong demand for culturally relevant food. Many students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, reported difficulty accessing foods that met their cultural, spiritual, or other dietary needs. This project is designed to fill that gap by providing access to nutritious foods that align with students’ diverse needs.
“We are committed to providing all students with the nourishment they need to succeed,” said Young. “This grant helps us ensure that we’re addressing the unique dietary needs of every student, fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.”
For more information about Monty’s Market or the Nourishing Diversity at Monty’s Market project, please visit mwcc.edu/campus-life/pantry.
About Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation:
The mission of the MWCC Foundation, Inc. is to secure time, talent, and treasure from private sources that will enable the college to provide accessible, affordable education, and to implement social, economic, and cultural initiatives.
About Greater Worcester Community Foundation:
Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Learn more at greaterworcester.org.