In the pursuit of academic success students often encounter many challenges but food should not be one of them. Now, thanks to a new program MVC students have an ally in the fight against food insecurity.

According to MVC’s website, Monty’s Market which opened this past September, was founded by the Human Services program and is managed by MVC’s Basic Needs and Wellness team. Students who attend Moreno Valley College may receive one bag of food per week and must fill out an intake form to be eligible for services.

The Human Services Club and Professor James Banks  started the original food pantry, which eventually evolved to Monty’s Market. 

Angie Gordon is the supervisor of Monty’s Market and stated that their goal is to remove the barrier of food insecurity for students, so they can focus on their academics. “We want to make sure that they don’t drop out of school because they have to go get a second job to make ends meet.” 

In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, Monty’s Market held two Grab n’ Go Food Bag Distributions  at the Parkside Complex in the portables at the back of the campus.  

The Thanksgiving holiday events couldn’t have been possible without the college core fellows that are part of the core program—a team who is excited to help students with food insecurities and wants to see them succeed.

“Since I am a part of the human services and social work, I like working and helping people at the front desk because I get to let them know about events that are occurring on campus, which makes me enjoy customer service,” said Barbara McCarter, MVC student and Monty’s Market volunteer.

During pre-registration for the November 17th and 22nd food distributions a QR code, and a link were sent out to students who wanted to receive a food bag. When students registered for the food bags, they were able to customize their bags by selecting the things they can or can’t eat. Monty’s Market catered to students dietary needs, with special gluten-free bags, and during pre-registration, student could request vegan or vegetarian bags. Those who registered to receive a food bags also had the option to have the bags delivered to them by DoorDash.  

The program which makes Monty’s Market possible is funded by the State’s Chancellor’s Office as a result of Assembly Bill 132. When AB132 was passed in July 2021 it required each California Community College to establish a basic needs center and provided $30 million to support basic need centers.  The bill also required schools to hire a basic needs coordinator, so that together the center and coordinator could serve as a single point of contact for students to access basic needs services, such as CalFresh and other programs.   

For more information on Monty’s Market and to enroll in their services, click the link below.

Monty’s Market and Clothing Closet