For many students, college brings new beginnings, exciting opportunities, and optimism about the future. For others, those experiences come with the stress of meeting basic needs, including putting food on the table.

As of October 1, students at Drake State Community and Technical College have access to free food and hygiene products through a new campus food pantry.

Made possible through donations from Alfred Street Baptist Church, the Blue Eagle Market is located in the college’s bookstore.

The market’s operating hours are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m.

According to Drake State, Blue Eagle Market has helped 131 students with food and essential hygiene products (including feminine hygiene supplies) since it opened earlier this month.

Emily Harlow, student services administrator at Drake State, said the market is already making a difference for students and their families, with recipients sharing appreciation for the additional support.

“Students have expressed their gratitude for access to necessities, and we have received feedback from students who have shared that this resource is a blessing to their families,” Harlow said.

Harlow emphasized that the market’s impact extends beyond individual students, providing relief for households facing financial challenges.

“Drake State is grateful for this resource and the difference it is making in the lives of our Blue Eagles and their families,” Harlow said.

The importance of the Blue Eagle Market is personal for Harlow. She recounted her own experience with food insecurity and credited Drake State faculty and local food pantries with helping her overcome challenges while pursuing her education.

“As an alumnus of Drake State’s Medical Assistant Program, I can speak from experience about how beneficial programs like this can be. There was a time in my own life that I relied heavily on the kindness of the community and local food banks,” Harlow said.

Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims highlighted the connection between students’ basic needs and their ability to achieve academic and financial stability.

“We understand that our responsibility to our students goes far beyond the classroom. The work that we do to help our students succeed cannot be done if they’re facing food insecurity,” Sims said.

Dr. Nicole Bell, dean of students at Drake State, echoed that commitment, emphasizing the college’s responsibility to foster an environment where students have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.

“Our goal is to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their educational goals,” Bell said.

Alfred Street Baptist Church Administrator Brian Bonner also shared his personal experience growing up in a household where his family sometimes had to choose between buying groceries and paying utility bills. He said removing the burden of food insecurity can make a meaningful change in students’ lives.

“As a person who lived that experience, I can tell you it makes a big difference. On behalf of everyone at Alfred Street, including the leadership in our congregation, we are so happy to partner with you all,” Bonner said.

Harlow said the Blue Eagle Market is more than a food pantry. It represents the “Drake State way,” a commitment to creating a caring educational environment where students support one another and have access to the resources they need to succeed.

“It’s about meeting students where they are and helping them stay focused on where they’re going,” Harlow said.

With the opening of the Blue Eagle Market, Drake State hopes to ease students’ financial burdens, allowing them to focus on their education and future careers.