Reynolds Awarded SCHEV Grant to Strengthen Red Hawk Food Pantry and Support Students Facing Food Insecurity

Reynolds Community College has been awarded a $14,881 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to address student food insecurity and expand support for learners in need. Reynolds is one of 48 public and private institutions across the Commonwealth selected to receive funding through the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program, enacted by the Virginia General Assembly in 2025.

The funding will allow Reynolds to strengthen the Red Hawk Food Pantry, expand community partnerships and build sustainable solutions that help students remain focused on their educational goals.

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for college students statewide and nationally. SCHEV recently reported that more than 40% of college students experience food insecurity at some point during their academic journey — a barrier that can lead to lower academic performance and, in some cases, stopping out altogether. A recent federal report found that 23% of students in higher education nationwide experienced food insecurity.

At Reynolds, the Red Hawk Food Pantry has become an essential support resource for students balancing tuition, housing, transportation and family responsibilities. As highlighted in a recent Reynolds news story, demand for pantry services has grown significantly as students navigate rising living costs and disruptions in federal benefits. Increased traffic at the pantry reflects both growing awareness of the resource and the ongoing financial pressures many students face.

The SCHEV grant will help ensure shelves remain stocked with shelf-stable items, fresh food and essential household goods. It will also support expanded collaboration with community partners and food assistance organizations to create longer-term, sustainable pathways for students to access nutritious meals.

“I am incredibly proud of the unwavering commitment my team demonstrates every day to secure critical resources in support of our students,” said Dr. Jennifer V. Mezquita-Macaia, vice president of student affairs at Reynolds. “Advocacy is not just a priority — it’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly.”

Dr. Mezquita-Macaia recognized Kristen Holt, TyKasia Gaskins, Helen Straus Markiewicz and Dr. Curt Smith for their leadership, persistence and deeply student-centered approach in advancing food access initiatives at the college.

The grant aligns with recommendations from SCHEV’s 2024 report on campus food insecurity, which encouraged institutions to normalize asking for and accepting help, involve students in the development of services and leverage partnerships to expand effective support. The report also called for stronger collaboration between higher education institutions and state agencies, as well as continued investment in proven strategies that remove basic-needs barriers to student success.

For Reynolds, addressing food insecurity is directly connected to student retention and completion. When students have reliable access to food, they are better positioned to attend class consistently, focus on coursework and persist through graduation. The Red Hawk Food Pantry operates as part of a broader commitment to student support services that promote belonging, stability and academic momentum.

Funding for the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program is based on the percentage of in-state Federal Pell Grant-eligible students enrolled at each institution — recognizing that many students at Virginia’s community colleges face financial vulnerabilities while pursuing higher education.

Through this award, Reynolds will continue to enhance its capacity to respond to student needs while strengthening partnerships that create lasting impact beyond campus. By investing in essential supports like the Red Hawk Food Pantry, the college reinforces its mission to provide access, opportunity and pathways to success for every student.

As Reynolds looks ahead, the SCHEV grant represents more than a financial award — it is a reaffirmation of the college’s commitment to meeting students where they are and ensuring that basic needs never stand in the way of educational achievement.

For more information on the Reynolds Food Pantry, visit our website.