CASC Kicks Off Food Pantry for Students and Employees

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has left many facing unprecedented and challenging circumstances. Some are now finding themselves unemployed, some are facing financial challenges, and many are facing an entire upheaval of their daily lives. Focusing on the students and work family, and taking a holistic approach to their well-being, is always a priority for Carl Albert State College. To aid in this time Carl Albert will be opening a food pantry for students and employees only. 

The food pantry will operate each Thursday beginning Thursday, May 7th. Students and employees must present their campus ID in order to receive food items. To be mindful of social distancing guidelines, the pantry will be open for curbside pickup on Thursdays from 1 pm to 3 pm on both campuses. Included in the bags are dry goods such as beans and pasta, soup, grits, oatmeal, bottled water, and more. One bag can feed two individuals. Two bags maximum, per person, will be distributed. 

On the Poteau Campus, vehicles will pull up in front of the Student Center for curbside pickup. At the Sallisaw Campus, vehicles will pull up in front of the Mayo Center for curbside pickup. Stations will be set up outside each building. 

“Our primary focus is always on the well-being of our students and employees,” said President Jay Falkner. “We realize that the pandemic has been life-altering for many in our Carl Albert family, and our goal, to the best of our ability, is to fill a need they may have. We hope the food pantry will in some way ease the burden of this challenging time.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carl Albert State College has moved to a distance-learning format throughout the end of the semester and summer months and required students to move out of campus housing. Additionally, buildings on campus remain closed to the general public. The situation is ever-evolving and evaluated consistently to determine the best and safest course of action for the entire Carl Albert community.

Happily, enrollment is now open and the Viking family is looking forward to an exciting fall semester, welcoming new students, current students, and staff and faculty back to campus. 

“We have attacked this challenge head on, and we are looking forward to the growth that will stem from this season,” said Falkner. “We have always been a resilient campus community, and it’s been heart-warming to see how we’ve banded together, and been truly Viking Strong.” 

KXMX News Staff 

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