DISH Food Pantry Celebrates 5 Years of Serving Students in Need

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) celebrated the 5-year anniversary of its on-campus food pantry, DISH, by highlighting its impact on the community.

A Gathering to Celebrate and Reflect

The event brought together college leaders, community partners, and student representatives who have played a key role in supporting DISH over the years. Chelsea Alexander, DISH Food Pantry Coordinator, and Emery Spooner, DISH Food Pantry Assistant, welcomed attendees, setting the tone for a day of reflection, gratitude, and hope.

BHCC President Pam Eddinger delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the college’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting students’ success. "DISH has become more than just a pantry," she said. "It is a lifeline for many students, ensuring they have the nutrition and support needed to focus on their education and future."

The Early Days: From Single Stop to DISH

The journey began long before DISH officially opened its doors. Kathleen O'Neill, Director of Single Stop, shared how the college started addressing student hunger in 2011 by connecting students to financial and community resources. Partnerships with organizations like Food Link and the Greater Boston Food Bank allowed BHCC to host a Mobile Food Market, providing students with essential supplies.

Over time, the need for a more permanent solution became clear. Will Cribby, Assistant Dean of Students, recounted the creation of DISH, supported by student leaders, the BHCC Foundation, and generous donors. “The dedication from our students, faculty, and community partners made DISH possible,” Cribby said, highlighting contributions from the Student Government Association (SGA) and major donors such as Liberty Mutual Insurance, the Eos Foundation, and other philanthropic supporters.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Hub

DISH officially opened in the fall of 2019 after years of planning and fundraising. Molly Hansen, the first DISH Special Programs Coordinator, led efforts to build and operate the pantry, making it a welcoming space for students to access food and resources discreetly and comfortably.

Since its launch, DISH has evolved to meet the needs of the BHCC community. During the pandemic, the team quickly adapted by partnering with SnapChef to deliver groceries to students’ homes. They also launched “Molly’s Kitchen,” a virtual cooking show to help students make the most of pantry supplies.

The pantry continued to expand its services, adding refrigerated lockers, Grab & Go locations, and extended hours. Student leaders such as Ariel Gustowski, SGA President, and Zakaria Kantou, SGA Vice President and DISH staff member, shared how DISH has made a tangible difference in students' lives, reducing the stress of food insecurity and allowing them to focus on their studies.

Looking Ahead: Addressing Student Hunger Across Massachusetts

DISH’s impact has reached far beyond the BHCC campus. In 2019, the college hosted the Voices of Hunger on Campus symposium, bringing together leaders from across the state to discuss and address student hunger. This work contributed to national studies on food insecurity among college students and helped inform state and national legislation.

In 2024, BHCC was awarded a grant from Liberty Mutual to help stock the pantry with specialty items like baby products and culturally relevant foods. The Healey-Driscoll administration’s inclusion of $500,000 for the Hunger Free Campus Initiative, which supports initiatives like The DISH and resources to connect students with food assistance, in this year’s budget was also celebrated as a step toward ending food insecurity for the 44% of Massachusetts community college students facing hunger.

A Bright Future for DISH

As DISH celebrated its fifth anniversary, the event underscored the resilience and dedication of the BHCC community. With 69,647 pounds of food distributed and over 19,000 Grab & Go visits recorded in 2023 alone, the pantry continues to grow, thanks to the support of its staff, students, and partners. Chelsea Alexander closed the event by expressing her gratitude: "This is a community effort, and we have built something exceptional together. Here's to many more years of DISH, and the lives will continue to change."

DISH has become a model for college food pantries across the country, demonstrating that it is possible to address hunger and help students thrive with the proper support and collaboration.