Students Access New On-Campus Food Distribution by Carolina Chavez, San Diego Mesa College graduate and FSD partner volunteer

I was brought up to be a contributor—to give back to my community. I graduated from Mesa College in May 2018 and am now a Career Peer Ambassador here at the career center, where I get to help students create or update their resumes, and help them find jobs that are meaningful and that pay a living wage. So many of our students have families and need to also secure a job that allows them to take care of all of their responsibilities. I’m happy to be a part of helping them meet their needs.

Mesa College recently started a farmers market style distribution, “The Stand,” in partnership with Feeding San Diego, to bring fresh produce and groceries to our campus once a month. This assistance helps feed students, staff, campus workers and neighbors. I get to volunteer regularly at “The Stand” and see families with kids coming through the friendly line. It warms my heart. It’s wonderful seeing the littles ones picking up a piece of fruit and carrying bags full of food. I love being a part of this event where I get to see many happy faces—with healthy food for the rest of the week!

It’s important to me to help as much as I can because I remember sitting in class, being hungry in the middle of a test, thinking how hungry I was. Really, the only thing I should have been thinking about was, ‘What the right answer?’ Students should only have to worry about classes and learning—not about food.

Mesa College gives so much back to its students and the community. The Stand is a perfect example of that. Everyone here is involved, open to new ideas, helpful and kind. That’s why I knew this farmers market would be the success that it is. To all of my fellow San Diegans who make The Stand at Mesa College possible, thank you! You provide healthy food for so many people who need it.