November 6, 2025
As food insecurity surges across the United States, more colleges and universities are stepping up to help students who need food assistance.
Food insecurity impacts one in seven adults and one in six children in our region, according to recent data from Harvesters, the regional Feeding America food bank that covers 27 counties between Kansas and Missouri (including Johnson County). Federal data from a recent National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey found that around one in four undergraduate college students aren't sure where their next meal will come from.
Johnson County Community College (JCCC) has several programs and initiatives to combat student hunger year-round. Established in 2019, JCCC’s Student Basic Needs Center offers resources that help ensure no student has to choose between education and meeting their basic needs.
How JCCC can help
JCCC’s Student Basic Needs Center connects JCCC students to a range of student-centered programs to break down barriers to academic success, including the on-campus Cav Cupboard and the Cavalier MealSHARE program.
Cav Cupboard is a food and resources pantry located inside the Student Basic Needs Center. Currently enrolled JCCC students can visit Cav Cupboard once a week to choose up to 15 free items, which include shelf-stable foods, refrigerated/frozen foods, and common household items like soap, toilet paper, diapers, and laundry detergent.
Eligible JCCC students who face food insecurity and demonstrate extreme financial need can apply for the Cavalier MealSHARE program. Qualified students receive funds for food loaded directly onto their JCCC ID card so they can purchase a meal at any Dining Services location or vending machine on campus. Students receive a set amount to spend each day — enough to ensure they get at least one meal each school day. While the application for the Cavalier MealSHARE program for this school year has closed, students in need should still reach out to the Student Basic Needs Center for food assistance.
Additionally, the JCCC Student Assistance fund offers students in extreme need an opportunity to apply for one-time monetary assistance for times of financial hardship. A team reviews the applications on a case-by-case basis within two to three business days, and provides support based on student needs and available funds.
How the community can help
Give to the JCCC Student Basic Needs Center: Monetary donations are used to purchase food, personal care items, and school supplies. While items may also be donated directly to the Student Basic Needs Center, monetary donations allow the center to replenish supplies as inventory runs low and to fulfill requests for specific items.
Purchase from the Student Basic Needs Center’s Amazon Wishlist: Items purchased from the Amazon Wishlist are sent directly to the center to help ensure the shelves in the Cav Cupboard are stocked with the items our students need most.
Donate food and supplies: The most needed items are period products, diapers, baby wipes, and shelf-stable grocery items like rice, pasta, and canned goods. The Student Basic Needs Center is also currently collecting donations for the annual Holiday Food Drive through December 22. Items requested include:
- Canned green beans
- Stuffing mix (boxed)
- Cranberry sauce (cans)
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Gravy packets or cans
- Canned sweet potatoes or yams
- Canned pumpkin or pie filling
- Cornbread mix (boxed)
- Corn or mixed vegetables (cans)
- Shelf-stable piecrust or baking mixes
- Hot cocoa packets
- Holiday cookie or biscuit mixes (boxed)
- Applesauce (cups or jars)
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg (sealed jars)
Bring donations to the JCCC Student Basic Needs Center (General Education Building, 1st floor) during business hours, Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Outside these hours, leave them in the bin outside the Student Basic Needs Center.
Learn more
Visit the Student Basic Needs Center to learn more about supporting food-insecure JCCC students.
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
eswinne1@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
chrisgray@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
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