BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus has launched a new student success initiative, “Food for Thought.” The new initiative provides healthier snack options to students who find themselves hungry between classes or while studying on campus. There is no fee associated with obtaining snacks from the pantry, just a valid Ivy Tech student email address. “Food for Thought” is funded by a grant through Circle of Ivy, an Ivy Tech women’s philanthropy group.
Kristy LeVert, director of student life, put forth the proposal last year when she was serving as the director of student success at Ivy Tech Bloomington. “Studies show that when a student is struggling to meet basic needs such as hunger, it is difficult to become successful,” she said. “Healthier snack foods can also be expensive for students in general.”
Some examples of snacks students have access to include granola bars, fruit, trail mix, veggie straws and other assorted on-the-go foods.
Students in need of a snack while on campus can visit the pantry in the Student Success Center, D117. The Student Success Center provides opportunities for supplemental instruction, tutoring and mentoring, plus other resources for Ivy Tech students.
Grant funds provided by Circle of Ivy will cover the cost of pantry snacks during Spring Semester 2019.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
