BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Renegade Pantry is Bakersfield College's first ever on campus student run food bank.

 

It officially opened up its doors this morning. BC's Student Government Association decided to create the food bank with donations after observing the problem of hunger firsthand within the student population. Organizers say the students buzzed with excitement and eagerness to help once the word spread. Within the first two hours of asking the student body for help, 32 donations were made. Everything from canned soup, fruit, beans to popcorn poured in to help out. And that has students struggling to put food on their table very grateful.

 

Stephen Hidalgo was the Pantry's first recipient. He said, "I'm relieved. I can have food to eat, not top ramen all day every day." Another recipient, Sewahan Garret, said, "Well it helps you a lot because with the help from this food, I could use money towards books and other stuff I need."

 

The Renegade Pantry is strictly for BC students. But anyone is welcome to make donations of money, non-perishable food and personal care items to the food bank.

 

For more information, you can call 395-4030.