Food ‘cubby’ at Arizona Western College becomes lifeline for Yuma students

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — For many college students, the challenge of balancing tuition, rent, and daily expenses means that food isn’t always guaranteed.

It’s why Arizona Western College (AWC) is working to keep its food pantry fully stocked, as they say demand has quadrupled this semester.

International student Anna Ricafort says there’s very little left for food once she exchanges her Philippine currency for U.S. dollars.

“I didn’t know they offered free meal vouchers, that actually helps me out a lot since I am on a budget. I’ve had to budget by using an Excel sheet and seeing how much I am spending on food,” she said.

The Cubby at AWC has been a lifeline for her and dozens of other students. It functions as a storefront where students can receive food vouchers and pick up essential groceries.

Each week, they offer up to 20 food items per student, along with a voucher for a warm meal at AWC’s on-campus eateries.

“I usually get those 20 items and bring them home and then I usually pack them up and bring them to school,” said Ricafort.

Leticia Chabolla is the first smile students see when they walk into The Cubby.

She said that for some students, the free meal they receive may be the only meal they have that day.

“I had one student that she had mentioned that her mother was worried she wasn’t eating so she heard about the services we provided and she was really grateful,” said Chabolla.

Chabolla also helps direct students to other resources that can give additional help.

It’s estimated that 23% of college students face food insecurity.

The National Institutes of Health says those most at risk are first-generation and low-income students, two key demographics at AWC.

“We have a large majority of our students get financial aid, so that just shows there is that financial struggle at home,” said Laura Sandigo, the student resource services director for the college.

Sandigo has been working to stock The Cubby and mini cubbies across campus, working with the local food bank and relying entirely on donations.

“We do have a refrigerator, so we can accept cheese, yogurt, carrot sticks and anything like that,” said Sandigo.

With word of mouth, traffic at The Cubby has increased. It’s been a massive help for students like Ricafort, who spread the word to all her friends.

“I do actually because it helps them out a lot, because some of them are also budgeted with food,” she said.

People can drop off donations at The Cubby in the MAC building or call (928) 344-7517 to find out how you can help.

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