TowneBank receives 2023 VCCS Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy

TowneBank in Hampton Roads received the annual Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. In its 17^th year, the award recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to the mission of Virginia’s Community Colleges.

TowneBank was nominated by Tidewater Community College President Marcia Conston for its continuing support of the college.

Tidewater Community College’s Educational Foundation received a $500,000 grant from TowneBank. The funds are supporting the development of the TCC Visual Arts and Design Center in downtown Norfolk. Set to open in 2024, the Center boasts 37,000 square feet for arts programming and will include a gallery space. The donation is also supporting TCC’s Regional Automotive Center in Chesapeake.

An additional $250,000 gift from TowneBank helped with the launch and operations of the Community Feed at TCC’s campuses in 2020. By working together, the college, TowneBank and Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore are providing needed meals, staples and fresh produce for students and community members through on-site pantries on TCC’s campuses and MacArthur Center in downtown Norfolk.

“We are grateful to TowneBank for their unwavering commitment to TCC,” said President Conston. “They are a shining example of an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for families and individuals in our region. In addition, their financial contribution ensures that students in need have ongoing access to meals and fresh foods. We express our sincere thanks.”

TowneBank’s generosity will be marked by a named space in the new Visual Arts and Design Center in the coaching and critiquing room.

More than two dozen individuals, families, and organizations earned the 2023 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. The awards were presented at a luncheon ceremony in Richmond on April 18, 2023. The new VCCS Chancellor Dr. David Doré was the keynote speaker.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be in the company of such an esteemed group of philanthropists,” Doré observed. “Were it not for your generosity, some of our students would have to put their hopes and dreams on hold, while others might have to abandon them altogether. Thanks to you, however, our students will be able to work in an environment that is relatively free of the kind of financial pressures that can paralyze or even derail their forward progress, and for that, we are extremely grateful.”

The annual event, hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), honors leading philanthropists from each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges as well as the statewide foundation. Recipients are nominated for their outstanding commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.

This year’s class of distinguished philanthropy leaders has collectively contributed $14 million dollars to Virginia’s Community Colleges.

TCC has resources that actually help students thrive

Fall Semester is almost here, with classes starting on August 22. Now is the time to get ready for your next steps in school. The college offers free computers, emergency financial help, food and more. Here’s what you need to know.

Travis Johnson at Portsmouth Campus. — Travis Johnson earned two associate degrees from TCC. An Army veteran, Travis said, “TCC helped me financially and provided meals for my family. The people at the SREC kept me on track and supported my journey every step of the way.”

TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC), is a Single Stop site that connects students with a variety of free and comprehensive social services and financial resources to help students stay in school. The SREC also has a Career Collection on every campus, where students can pick out a free, professional outfit for that important interview, internship or leadership opportunity. Reach out to the SREC online for assistance.

TCC staffers are ready to help you! Shown here: Mel Scott (SREC), Talesha Smith (The Community Feed), Charles Thompson (Student Center) and Crystal Kirby (Open Door Project). — TCC staffers are ready to help! Shown here: Melvilyn Scott (SREC), Talesha Smith (The Community Feed), Charles Thompson (Student Center) and Crystal Kirby (Open Door Project).

Computers for school
TCC’s Computer Club makes personal computers and laptops available through its Computers for Student Success program. Visit here for more information and details on how to apply.

Emergency Assistance
Student Emergency Assistance is available to help students with temporary, short-term financial needs that may hinder their education. Consideration is given to students that have experienced financial hardship due to an unforeseen emergency. Funds can be used to bridge the gap when students receive less financial aid than needed for school costs and emergency living expenses.

TCC has computers for students and even shows new users the basics. — TCC has computers for students and volunteers show new users the basics.

Mental health services available for students
TimelyCare is a new telehealth program for students. The service provides access to 24/7 virtual mental health care from anywhere in Virginia, with no cost to visit! TimelyCare’s TalkNow is on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at any time. You can also schedule counseling sessions and receive health coaching. To learn more, visit here.

Open Door Project
Open Door Project students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are often first-generation college students. Offered on the Norfolk and Portsmouth campuses, this federally-funded program helps students with academic performance while providing support services to keep them in school. Eligible students receive academic advising, assistance with FAFSA completion, success skills workshops, career and transfer counseling, and one on one tutoring. To find out more, fill out this form.

Wi-Fi available on campus
If you are equipped with a Wi-Fi-enabled portable device, you may access TCC’s network in the following campus locations. Spaces are marked “TCC Student Wi-Fi Parking.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Chesapeake Campus: Parking lot next to the Pass Building. You may park in handicapped spaces. Of the four campuses, this area has the strongest external Wi-Fi signal.
Norfolk Campus: On Granby Street in front of the Walker Building and on College Place across from the Green District Administration Building. Note that these are metered spaces with the first hour free.
Portsmouth Campus: On Freedom Avenue alongside the B Building
Virginia Beach Campus: Driveway in front of the Regional Health Professions Center. You may park in the handicapped spaces.

For additional assistance with enrollment, advising or any other need, contact the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111 or email enroll@tcc.edu.

Career Collection professional wear is available for students on every campus.

TCC has resources to help students achieve their goals

Tidewater Community College’s recent advertising campaign features the tagline, “We’re Here to Help.” And it’s true! TCC has resources to help you succeed in school.

Spring Semester is just a few weeks away with classes starting on Jan. 10. Now is the time to get ready for your next steps in school. The college offers help with internet access, free computers, tuition assistance, emergency financial help and food. Here’s what you need to know.

Cox Cable discounts for students
Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the college is able to offset the cost of internet service for students who qualify. TCC is working with Cox Cable to offer discounted internet service for students. To request service use this link.

Computers for school
TCC’s Computer Club makes personal computers available through its Computers for Student Success program. Visit here for more information and details on how to apply.

Wi-Fi available on campus
If you are equipped with a Wi-Fi enabled portable device, you may access TCC’s network in the following campus locations. Spaces are marked “TCC Student Wi-Fi Parking.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Chesapeake Campus: Parking lot next to the Pass Building. You may park in handicapped spaces. Of the four campuses, this area has the strongest external Wi-Fi signal.
Norfolk Campus: On Granby Street in front of the Walker Building and on College Place across from the Green District Administration Building. Note that these are metered spaces with the first hour free.
Portsmouth Campus: On Freedom Avenue alongside the B Building
Virginia Beach Campus: Driveway in front of the Regional Health Professions Center. You may park in the handicapped spaces.

Emergency Assistance
Student Emergency Assistance is available to help students with temporary, short-term financial needs that may hinder their education. Consideration is given to students that have experienced financial hardship due to an unforeseen emergency. Funds can be used to bridge the gap when students receive less financial aid than needed for school costs and emergency living expenses.

Meals, fresh foods and pantry staples
Tidewater Community College and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore have partnered to offer The Community Feed at TCC. Through the program, students can receive meals and fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as pantry items for their families. First-time participants must register via the online enrollment form, and upon completion, utilize the online scheduling tool to select a time to pick up pre-packaged meal kits to prepare nutritious meals at home. Online reservations for pick-up are highly encouraged.

Care Teams provide support
The CARE Team at TCC is focused on caring, prevention and early intervention for students experiencing serious distress. Help is available if you need it by using this form.

TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC), is a Single Stop site that connects students with a variety of free and comprehensive social services and financial resources to help them stay focused on their academic goals. This SREC includes case managers on every campus. In addition, the SREC collaborates with campus and community partners to deliver educational programs and services that holistically empower students in their personal, academic and professional success. Reach out to the SREC online for assistance.

TCC and the Foodbank announce the opening of the Portsmouth Campus Community Feed at TCC

Tidewater Community College and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore unveiled the Portsmouth Campus Community Feed at TCC during a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Portsmouth Campus site marks the partnership’s second location of The Community Feed — with the first opening at MacArthur Center in June 2020.

The Community Feed at TCC provides access to fresh fruits and vegetables; and as safety measures lift, will also bring individuals together to connect with one another over great food and conversation; share resources such as recipe cards, books and wellness materials; and participate in workshops and learning sessions led by strategic community partners addressing the root causes of food insecurity, which include lack of access to financial literacy, housing, employment, higher education and healthcare.

“We recognize that many of our students face food insecurity that affects not just themselves, but their family and ultimately, their studies,” said Dr. Marcia Conston, TCC President. “At TCC, we prioritize student success which includes helping our students identify and eliminate the barriers. The Community Feed at our Portsmouth Campus ensures that our students can receive meals, nonperishable foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The Community Feed at TCC program was launched with a $250,000 donation from TowneBank to the Foodbank in 2019 to establish up to four campus-based pantries that will serve TCC students. TowneBank is a long-time supporter of the Foodbank and has demonstrated a commitment to addressing community issues, including food insecurity among college students.

“The Foodbank is committed to closing the Meal Gap by 2025 and making measurable progress toward addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including limited access to higher education. We understand that education has a significant impact on an individual’s potential to earn a living wage and consistently put food on their table,” said Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, President & CEO, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

TCC student Nicole Clarke visited the MacArthur location for first time this month. She was able to pick out produce, meats and some prepackaged meals. She also received a bike lock and a small piece of artwork for her home.

“I absolutely appreciate the Community Feed and I want to spread the word that there are resources out there and it’s for you,” Clarke said. “Go there and get the help you need. It’s the best feeling to be welcomed and served in this way.”

The Portsmouth Campus Community Feed at TCC is open to all TCC students with a valid student ID — with a long-term goal of opening the facility to the community. The Community Feed at TCC is currently available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

First-time participants must register via the online enrollment form, and upon completion, utilize the online scheduling tool to select a time to pick up pre-packaged meal kits to prepare nutritious meals at home. Online reservations for pick-up are highly encouraged.

Food to Finish program

In addition, the Foodbank and TCC debuted the Food to Finish Program — an initiative to support students facing food insecurity, funded in part by a $20,000 donation from Virginia Natural Gas. The Food to Finish Program gives currently enrolled students access to fresh produce, meats and other groceries at the Community Feed at TCC locations, enabling them to save money for other necessities and to maintain their focus on academics. Students can receive up to 30 pounds of food each week. Students can apply on the online Food to Finish application form.

Student Resource and Empowerment Centers are now on every campus

TCC also launched the Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC), a Single Stop site that connects students with a variety of free and comprehensive social services and financial resources to help them stay focused on their academic goals. The college-wide initiative includes case managers on every TCC campus.

The Clothes Closet is just one offering in the new center.

These programs and resources are designed to work together to holistically address the needs of students, ultimately cultivating an environment in which students can focus on their studies and personal development.

“This resource center is the direct result of what happens when the staff dreams and rallies together around a shared vision of engaging our students in their own success and providing the support they need to get there,” said Jeanne Natali, director of the SREC. “Building on the strong foundation of the Women’s Center, this center opens its door today to help students navigate the complex web of campus and community resources.”

SREC case managers Melvilyn Scott and Sophia Tolliver.

More information about The Community Feed at TCC is available at www.FoodbankOnline.org/TheCommunityFeed. TCC students can receive help by emailing Chuck Thomas at cthomas@tcc.edu.

Additional information about the Student Resource and Empowerment Center is available by emailing Jeanne Natali at jnatali@tcc.edu.

TCC receives donation from UnitedHealthcare to support students in need

Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $3,500 donation from UnitedHealthcare, which will help students facing food insecurity and other basic needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health care insurance providers in the United States.

The donation will be used to provide food, toiletries, formula and diapers for students in need through the Community Feed at TCC in Norfolk.

TCC and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore partnered to open the food pantry in June of 2020.

“This sponsorship from UnitedHealthcare will provide for the basic needs for our students and their families,” said Jaedda Hall, program coordinator for intercultural learning and the Women’s Center. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the needs of college students struggling to meet their basic needs.”

The pantry, made possible thanks to funding from TowneBank, is located across from the Apple Store on the second level of MacArthur Center. The Community Feed distributes meal kits and other fresh food to students with a TCC ID, as well as community members in need. Meal kits must be ordered in advance online.

Addressing food insecurity and other obstacles that impede student success continue to be priorities of TCC.

For information about the Community Feed at TCC and other support services available to TCC students during the pandemic, visit this resource page.

ABOUT TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Founded in 1968, Tidewater Community College (www.tcc.edu) helps students of all ages and backgrounds achieve their educational and career goals. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce solutions in southeastern Virginia, serving both students and local employers with in-demand academic and career programs. It is one of 23 schools that make up the Virginia Community College System.

ABOUT UNITEDHEALTHCARE

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.

The Community Feed at TCC expands to serve all community members

It’s been six months since the opening of The Community Feed at TCC at MacArthur Center in Norfolk. The innovative pantry is located on the second level across from the Apple store.

So far, more than 20,295 meals have been distributed to TCC students facing food insecurity. And last month, the pantry opened to serve all community members in need.

The project is a partnership of Tidewater Community College and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Data released by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice estimates that 48 percent of community college students face food insecurity. And the needs have increased with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fresh food for families and individuals

The Community Feed at TCC offers a selection of assorted pantry boxes, including shelf-stable items, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, with ingredients designed to feed a family of four.

Information about ordering is available here. Food can be picked up by appointment only five days a week.

“The food always seemed to come right on time, and I was grateful to have the resource right near campus,” said student Renee Robinson. “There were meals and other produce items available every time. One week I was able to make eggplant parmesan and it was really good. I also make all kinds of salads with the fresh greens, onions, peppers, carrots and corn.”

Robinson added, “I appreciate that this service is here for us. We talk about it a lot among ourselves and are so grateful for the assistance. My family is eating good, quality food. What could be better than that?”

The overall vision of The Community Feed at TCC incorporates:

Connecting people with one another over quality food and conversation
Sharing resources that include recipe cards, books and wellness materials
Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables
Workshops and learning sessions led by community partners on topics related to the root causes of food insecurity

Volunteers make a difference

The Community Feed is run by Foodbank staffers as well as volunteers that include faculty, staff, and students of TCC.

TCC staff member Chuck Thomas recalls a moment at the pantry that made him proud to be an employee of TCC.

“I saw a young couple with three toddlers come in to take advantage of the offerings. The father utilized the children’s play area while the mother shopped. She was able to get diapers, formula, toiletries, pre-packaged meals, and other items to feed her family,” said Thomas. “While she was there, we chatted about my experience of benefiting from food banks when I was young and the reason I was volunteering. Our conversation provided her comfort and brought tears to her eyes and she promised to pay it forward just as I was doing.”

Business Administration faculty member Kelly Gillerlain also volunteers at The Community Feed. “This is a great way to give back to our students,” she said. “It shows students we care about them and gives them additional support to succeed. I have also had the great honor to get to know some of my students outside the classroom.”

Raven Hayut, a TCC student ambassador, also serves regularly to complete volunteer hours for her scholarship. “This place has given me such a different perspective on what it means to help others and doing it in a way that you are surrounded by plenty of great people while serving.”

Initiative funded by TowneBank for five years

Thanks to a grant provided by TowneBank, the Foodbank will be able to launch additional campus-based pantries, as well as a targeted nutrition assistance program for students most at-risk of hunger. The total funds of $250,000 will be utilized to support this work over the course of five years, which will ultimately serve community members as well as thousands of students who are building upon their education to begin living wage careers.

The Campus-Based Pantry and Food Scholarship Program began in the fall of 2019 with pop-up pantries on the Norfolk and Portsmouth campuses. Pop-up pantries continue to be offered and have quickly became a lifeline for many students.

Learn more

More information about The Community Feed at TCC is available at FoodbankOnline.org. For questions, email Dean Thomas E. Chatman, Jr. or Dean Kerry Ragno.

TCC provided a compass for Class of 2020 grad Joe Baca

For a long time, Joe Baca searched for a direction. He didn’t apply himself in high school. He traveled after that only to realize rest stops aren’t ideal places to sleep. He even tried classes at Tidewater Community College.

The first time it didn’t work out. The second time — today — he graduates with an Associate of Science in Social Sciences and is one of the speakers for the graduates at the virtual 71^st Commencement Exercises.

“Perseverance is really big,” says Baca, 30, who started at TCC in 2012. “Even during the times I thought it was pointless, I kept going.”

The son of Navy parents, Baca moved here in 1998 and graduated from Ocean Lakes High in 2009, admittedly bored by the classes and critical of his own bad choices. From there, he relied on his Honda beater car to traipse around the country, working in kitchens to keep himself financially afloat.

“A couple of nights when I was traveling, I slept in my car,” he says. “Once I actually woke up to somebody jigging the handle to try to get in.”

He went on to work with troubled youth at a camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan and did similar work at a church — stints that made him realize he wanted to mentor middle- and high-school aged students. That’s when he realized he wanted to be part of the school system, only, “I didn’t know how to do that.”

He did know education was key, so he returned to TCC with a purpose. After his first psychology class, he discovered a passion, one fostered by Professor Andrea Palmisano.

“I was still going through the motions, but I had a spark of interest in psychology,” he says. “She was so genuine, and she’s so passionate. She really cares about her students.”

She motivated him to become part of the TCC community. He joined the psychology club, serving as treasurer and later president. Rather than grumble about the virtual nature of activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he embraced them, enjoying one talk on racial injustice and another on the importance of remaining connected in a divided country.

He got a job on the Virginia Beach Campus as a work-study student in the dean of students office.

“The more knowledge I gained, the more I realized that education is worth investing in to understand what’s happening in the world around you,” Baca says.

Taking an active role in the community grew to be increasingly important. Baca formerly volunteered on the Norfolk Campus for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia & the Eastern Shore. He’s also tutored his peers in math.

“It sounds cliché maybe, but I really like helping people any way I can,” he says.

Now he has a list of goals, the most significant of which is going into educational psychology. He’d like to work in a school setting and mentor youth with a vision of helping boys who have suffered trauma discover coping mechanisms.

Baca is awaiting word on acceptance from a trio of schools that include the College of William and Mary, University of Virginia and James Madison University. He plans to earn his bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in education.

His graduation day message speaks to the perseverance that lifted him to this pinnacle. Early on at TCC, he didn’t qualify for financial aid. Sometimes he could only afford a class or two per semester. With aid in place this final semester, he’s been able to focus on his studies and will graduate with a 3.4 GPA.

He will share a Bob Dylan quote in his graduation speech. But another by Calvin Coolidge is also a favorite:

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

TCC receives donation from Anthem Healthkeepers Plus for female students in need during COVID-19

Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $2,500 donation from Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, which will assist students facing financial barriers and basic need insecurities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, the largest Medicaid health plan in Virginia, requested that TCC use the funds to purchase hygiene kit items for students who visit the Community Feed at TCC in Norfolk.

TCC and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore partnered to open the food pantry in June.

The pantry, made possible thanks to a $250,000 donation from TowneBank, is located across from the Apple Store on the second level of MacArthur Center. The Community Feed distributes meal kits and other fresh food to students with a TCC ID. Meal kits must be ordered in advance online.

“This sponsorship from Anthem, Inc. will provide basic needs for our most vulnerable student populations,” said Jaedda Hall, program coordinator for the college’s Women’s Center STEM Promise Scholarship program. “The recent COVID-19 pandemic has only further exposed the magnitude of college students struggling to meet their basic needs.”

Addressing food insecurity and other obstacles that impede student success continue to be priorities of TCC.

“Anthem Healthkeepers Plus is pleased to be sponsoring The Community Feed at the Tidewater Community College at $2500 in their efforts to support their women students who are in need of personal hygiene products and other items during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hanna Daminski, marketing coordinator at Anthem Healthkeepers Plus. Our mission is to improve the lives of the people we serve, and we wish the students of The Tidewater Community College a successful school year.”

For information about the Community Feed at TCC and other support services available to TCC students during the pandemic, visit this resource page.

TCC and the Foodbank partner to open The Community Feed at TCC

Step inside The Community Feed at Tidewater Community College and you’ll see artfully designed spaces that promote healthy eating. On display in the farmer’s market are an assortment of fresh vegetables —tomatoes, carrots, peppers, asparagus, greens, potatoes, apples and even bulbs of garlic.

A front counter features a colorful sign to welcome TCC students, as they pick-up pre-ordered meal kits that will feed a family of four.

Participating in the ceremonial snip are (left-right) Jim Walker, general manager, MacArthur Center; Emanuel Chestnut, provost, TCC’s Norfolk Campus; TCC President Marcia Conston; Foodbank President Ruth Jones Nichols; Kevin Jones, board chair of the Foodbank; and John Baiocco, president of TowneBank Norfolk.

“This is wonderful. This is really a president’s dream!” said TCC President Marcia Conston at the ribbon-cutting event on June 29 for the Community Feed at TCC, the first food pantry to open thanks to the partnership between Tidewater Community College and The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and The Eastern Shore.

The pantry, made possible due to a $250,000 donation from TowneBank, is located across from the Apple Store on the second level of Norfolk’s MacArthur Center.

“We are prioritizing student success at TCC because, simply put, if students are hungry, they can’t succeed,” President Conston said.

President Conston with Ruth Jones Nichols — President Conston with Ruth Jones Nichois inside The Community Feed at TCC.

In the fall of 2019, Glenn Dubois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges, urged community college leaders to address food insecurity among students.

Data released by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice estimates that 48 percent of community college students face food insecurity. The survey was sent to 1.5 million students and 86,000 responded.

The Community Feed at TCC will begin distributing meal kits to students with TCC ID cards on June 30; they must be ordered in advance online. Student can select two meal kits, each designed to feed a family of four. Three options are available each week including a vegetarian dish. To ensure the safety of all students due to COVID -19, employees and volunteers, social distancing will be followed.

The overall vision of The Community Feed at TCC incorporates:

Connecting people with one another over quality food and conversation
Sharing resources that include recipe cards, books and wellness materials
Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables
Workshops and learning sessions led by community partners on topics related to the root causes of food insecurity

The Campus-Based Pantry and Food Scholarship Program began last fall with pop-up pantries on the Norfolk and Portsmouth campuses. These quickly became a lifeline for many students.

“The food always seemed to come right on time, and I was grateful to have the resource right on campus,” said student Renee Robinson. “There were meals and other produce items available every time. One week I was able to make eggplant parmesan, and it was really good. I also make all kinds of salads with the fresh greens, onions, peppers, carrots and corn.”

The Farmer’s Market inside The Community Feed at TCC.

“For many students, access to healthy food is a building block for successfully completing their education and moving toward living wage positions,” said Ruth Jones Nichols, president and CEO of the local Foodbank. “We know that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 37 percent of households were choosing between food and educational expenses. The Foodbank is committed to working with strategic partners like TCC to leverage food security as a foundation upon which to build a more transformational model for creating multiple pathways to success in life.”

The Community Feed at TCC — open to all TCC students with a valid student ID — has a long-term goal of opening to the community. For now, the pantry is available by appointment two days a week. As Virginia continues its phased approach to re-opening following the COVID-19 pandemic, The Community Feed at TCC will extend hours of operation to accommodate more students.

“Building stronger communities is a cornerstone of TowneBank’s philosophy, and this partnership with the Foodbank and TCC strategically aligns with our commitment to serving and enriching the lives of others,” said John Baiocco, president of TowneBank Norfolk.

The space at MacArthur Center was designed by TCC alumna Leisa Arrington.

The Community Feed at TCC was designed by Leisa Arrington, a TCC interior design alumna. Arrington also has a business degree from the college and owns and manages her firm, Proverbial Interior Design Solutions, LLC.

More information about The Community Feed at TCC is available at FoodbankOnline.org. For questions, email Dean Thomas E. Chatman, Jr. or Dean Kerry Ragno.