In response to the growing issue of food insecurity among college students, Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus, located at 15880 Dam Road Ext., in Clearlake, has officially opened up an “Eagles Essentials Marketplace” to provide resources to enrolled students.

According to a Yuba Community College press release, an increasing number of students are reporting challenges in securing food for themselves and their families. To address this critical need, the college has been providing free groceries to students, ensuring they have the support necessary to focus on their education.

“Our students face enough challenges on their educational journey,” Woodland Community College President Dr. Lizette Navarette stated. “No student should have to choose between pursuing their dreams and meeting basic needs. The Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace is a commitment to student success, reducing stigma around essential supports, and creating pathway to socio-economic mobility.”

To further strengthen this initiative, college administrators invested in remodeling one of the campus buildings last November to house the new Basic Needs Center. Now officially known as the “Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace,” the center provides students with a variety of essential items, including dry goods, frozen meats, fresh vegetables, toiletries, and school supplies. In addition, the Basic Needs Center offers assistance with applying for CalFresh and obtaining medical and mental health support.

Although the center has been in operation since January, the Lake County Campus held an official grand opening event on Thursday.

The Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace currently serves 105 families in the Clearlake community, providing much-needed relief and support.

In 2023, Woodland Community College’s food pantry expanded to an “Eagles Essential Marketplace” to meet the needs of students who might be food insecure. It moved from what was a large closet overlay into its roughly 800-square-foot conference room on the west side of Building 700, on the eastern part of the campus, located at 2300 E. Gibson Road.