Overview
Saints Food Share provides free baked goods and non-perishable groceries to SF students and employees experiencing food insecurity. Free baked goods are available on Monday mornings outside Building S on the Northwest Campus, Tuesdays mornings at the Davis Center, and Wednesday mornings at the Blount Center. Non-perishable groceries are available by request. Grab-and-go pantries are located in the Student Life lobby, Student Affairs lobby, TRIO lobby, SF Police Department lobby, the Blount Center, the Davis Center, and the Watson Center. Students, faculty and staff can contact Saints Food Share about a student or colleague in need of support by sending an email to the Civic Engagement and Service Specialist.
History
Santa Fe College’s food pantry was launched in 2010 by Health Science Professors Kerry Chancey and Sarah Stone. For over a decade, the pair coordinated all the volunteers, delivery, and distribution of food to the SF community. The pantry was supplied by donations collected during the SF Teaching Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo event every Halloween. Until 2021, the pantry was in Building H and was open every Monday morning.
In 2020, SF received a donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to support the college’s mission, “adding value to the lives of our students and enriching our community.” The College allocated funds for several projects to increase access to educational opportunities, including an expanded food pantry. The division of Student Affairs convened a college-wide committee to oversee the pantry expansion, and SF Student Government voted on a resolution in Student Senate to repurpose the former Student Organization room to serve as the new pantry location. The Rotary Club of Downtown Gainesville provided a grant to fund pantry renovations and equipment. In fall 2021, Saints Food Share relocated to the first floor of Building S on SF’s Northwest Campus.