The Renegade Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization that was created by the Bakersfield College Student Government Association over a year ago to give students, especially single parents, a helping hand with the rising cost of food.
Operations Manager Gilbert Hernandez explained that the Renegade Pantry is working on a one-year anniversary celebration for all the students that have been assisted by the pantry as well as the investments and food donations received from all over the community.
“It’s not quite official yet, but the SGA members are meeting and working on a date for the possible event. It was meant to be more or less a shout out for the pantry’s year-long opening as well as to commemorate all donating establishments,” said Brian Rathfelder, SGA vice president.
Both Rathfelder and Hernandez proudly shared that since the pantry’s opening last year they have proudly served over 1,400 students and over 1,900 of their children as well. The SGA stated that they have been working on getting local grocery stores involved even more by donating their gifts of non-perishable food items.
The SGA is also trying to encourage local businesses to donate money to this non-profit program at BC because it is also a tax write-off for them.
“We sent out a BC all-email to thank everyone that made the BC Renegade Pantry successful,” stated Rathfelder.
Students can sign up for food boxes in the SGA office located in the Campus Center 4 prior to the distribution dates for the Spring semester: Jan. 27, Feb. 10 and 24, March 10 and 24, April 7 and 28, and May 12. Pantry hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.