The campus community turned out on the sparkling green lawn of the DeForest Chapel to witness an effort to bolster student well-being and foster a supportive community. Student leaders, First Lady Kim Wilson Vincent, and members of the administration teamed up to celebrate the opening of a food pantry and resource center at Talladega College on April 23. The Tornado Market Food Pantry and Resource Center will provide resources that address food insecurity among students, ensuring that every member of the college community has access to basic needs. The food pantry opening reflects Talladega College's commitment to holistic student development and inclusivity.
The Hope Center at Temple University defines basic needs security as the ability to consistently meet the minimum requirements that one’s body and society require of them to function. Lack of basic needs has become widespread as students who struggle to afford these items tend to suffer from lower grade point averages. Not only that, but it can also cause a decrease in overall well-being during their college years. Longtime TC supporter Vanessa Wilson’s profound acts of service in the form of donations to several past Talladega College students spawned a movement of support from other scholars to a dedicated space where all students could access essential food items free of charge.
Jevon Tatum, 2024-2025 Student Government Association president-elect, thanked Ms. Wilson during the ceremony. “Ms. Vanessa Wilson has been a guardian angel for this pantry. Her connection to Talladega College goes back to the legacy of her family attending and graduating. She became interested in supporting seven students through a local church member who is an alumna and former faculty member, but her heart of service has far exceeded that aspiration. We appreciate her support for years and want to celebrate how her work has helped lay the foundation for what has developed into the [Tornado] market today. Ms. Wilson embodies the spirit of one community, one Talladega,” Tatum said.
Dr. Quianda Harris, director of the Office of Advocacy and Accessibility, cited several studies that point to the critical need for a pantry on campus. The director also expressed to students that they belong no matter the hardships they may face as they matriculate through their degree-seeking journey on Talladega College’s campus.
“Today, we celebrate the grand opening of the Talladega College Tornado Market Food Pantry and Resource Center. We are so thankful to so many of you who have been an integral part of creating, organizing, and donating to this very important initiative. Research shows that college students who are likely to use college food pantries are women, first-generation college students, have unstable housing, international students, have student loans, and Pell Grant recipients. Being unable to afford food is yet another hurdle to a college diploma. Conversely, studies show that a greater number of campus food pantry visits was associated with improved perceived health, decreased depressive symptoms, and better sleep sufficiency. We plan to fight the stigma associated with asking for help by providing social support, awareness, and dedicated campus partners to ensure all students feel included and that regardless of normal human challenges, you belong.”
The 88th Miss Talladega College, Eliza Croom, also thanked campus partners, including Honoree Jeffers, who donated an industrial-sized refrigerator. “Understanding the critical need for proper food storage and to extend the market’s reach and efficiency, Professor Jeffers played a pivotal role in procuring a commercial refrigerator. This significant contribution shows her commitment to Talladega’s welfare and illustrates the profound difference one individual can make in her community. Thank you, Professor Jeffers,” she said.
Kendraih Moore, outgoing SGA president who helped lead the initiative from solidifying campus partners to building and stocking shelves, acknowledged that the Tornado Market had been in the works for a long time. “So, to be the administration to make the vision come alive is amazing, and I’m just glad that everybody is here to see its opening. Now students can come and get everything they need,” Moore said.
TC student and member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Ra Pierre lent his creative art skills by creating a mosaic painting that filled the walls of the Tornado Pantry alongside the numerous donations. “Ra’s art speaks volumes about the passion and dedication that students have put into this project, and it will serve as a constant reminder of the critical role that students play in making Talladega College a wonderful place to learn, live, and thrive,” Eliza Croom said.
Participating student organizations that made initial donations to the pantry include:
