Research shows – and direct observation confirms – that college students deal with hunger far too often, and an Oklahoma City real estate agent is helping address food insecurity for students at Oklahoma City Community College. The Markus Smith Real Estate Team recently contributed to the Oklahoma City Community College Foundation to benefit the college’s new food pantry. The contribution will help purchase food from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
“As a former graduate of OCCC, I’m extremely happy to be in a position to be able to give back to a college that gave me so muchâ€, said Markus Smith. “I am proud that our real estate team can be one of the first corporate sponsors to lead the way on this worthwhile endeavor.â€
A 2016 study from the College and University Food Bank Alliance indicates that one in four community college students arrives on campus hungry. Unfortunately, Oklahoma City Community College is no different, so OCCC President Jerry Steward opened a new student food pantry during the fall 2018 semester.
“We are grateful that the Markus Smith Real Estate Team has made the food pantry at OCCC a priority in its community outreach,†said Von Allen, executive director of the OCCC Foundation. “For every dollar donated, the OCCC food pantry can provide four meals through the purchasing power of the Regional Food Bank.â€
To make an online contribution to the student food pantry, please visit www.occc.edu/hunger.
OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.