SALISBURY, N.C. – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has received a $3,000 grant from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to provide essential support for students through the College’s Campus Markets. The Nourishing Our Neighbors grant supports community-feeding partners by helping neighbors increase their access to nutritious food and providing nutrition education to eliminate health risks for those experiencing food insecurity.
This grant was made possible through the partnership of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, a hunger-relief organization dedicated to distributing food and grocery items to agencies that assist those in need. Representatives from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation formally presented the grant during the Rowan-Cabarrus Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, February 25.
“We are grateful for this gift from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help provide for our students,” said Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “Access to food and essential resources is foundational to student success. This investment strengthens our commitment to supporting the whole student and advancing opportunity for every learner we serve.”
The College operates three on-campus food and resource pantries, known as the Campus Market, through its Student Wellness Center, with locations at North Campus, South Campus and the North Carolina Research Campus. Established in 2017, the Campus Markets support currently registered students by providing access to food and essential resources that help them stay focused on their education.
During the Fall 2025 semester, the Campus Market recorded 349 student visits and distributed 4,136 pounds of food to support students facing food insecurity. These numbers reflect the growing need for access to nutritious food and necessities and demonstrate the College’s ongoing commitment to student success. Addressing food insecurity is one way Rowan-Cabarrus supports student retention and timely completion. The Campus Market provides non-perishable food and essential hygiene items, including soap, shampoo and deodorant, as well as seasonal items such as socks, gloves and winter hats.
“Food insecurity and limited access to basic necessities create real and persistent barriers for our students—barriers that follow them far beyond the classroom,” said Vice President of Student Success Services Dr. Natasha Lipscomb. “This grant empowers us to take meaningful action, meeting students where they are and ensuring they have the support they need to stay focused, succeed academically, and thrive throughout their educational journey.”
Students may schedule a visit to the Campus Market by contacting the Student Wellness Center at studentwellness@rccc.edu. The Campus Market is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, with each student eligible to receive a specified amount of food per week to ensure equitable access for all.
Those interested in supporting the pantry may coordinate donations of pantry items by emailing studentwellness@rccc.edu or by dropping off items at the Navigation Station on North or South Campus. For financial contributions or larger partnership opportunities, contact the Rowan-Cabarrus Foundation at foundation@rccc.edu. Additional information about the Campus Market and available off-campus resources in Rowan County, visit www.rccc.edu/wellness.
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grant funding to help nourish communities with fresh food.