Forth Valley Student Association’s Student Pantry has just received a £500 boost from a Scotmid Community Grant, to help students most in need.
FVSA's Student Pantry is available across Forth Valley College’s three campus locations in Alloa, Falkirk and Stirling, and is a vital initiative designed to provide students with essential food and hygiene items. It operates on a principle of trust and accessibility, enabling students to take what they need.
This initiative is sustained through generous donations from staff, ensuring that students have access to basic necessities that help them maintain their health and wellbeing and allow them to focus on their studies.
Kasia Slapek – FVSA Student Engagement Coordinator - identified a Scotmid Community Grant as a potential resource to stock the pantry and was supported with the application by Pauline Jackson, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, with both working together on the proposal.
Their collective efforts culminated in the submission of the application in November last year, and the FVSA were thrilled to receive confirmation in early February that they had been awarded the grant. The grant came in the form of 50 vouchers worth £10 each, totalling £500. The vouchers can be used in Scotmid and Semi-Chem stores.
The team were delighted with the outcome, recognising the significant impact these vouchers will have. The FVSA will be able to supply the Student Pantry making sure basic student needs are fulfilled.
Lynne Peacock, Scotmid Membership and Community Manager, said: "At Scotmid, supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do. We recognise the challenges students face, and we're proud to contribute to this student foodbank initiative. We hope our donation will ensure students have access to the essentials they need."
Kasia Slapek, FVSA Student Engagement Coordinator, said: "By contributing to FVSA's Student Pantry, we are directly supporting the well-being and success of students who have to overcome various hardships during their academic journey. We are grateful for the Scotmid Community Grant and the positive impact it will have on our community. Thanks go to them once again for their support and for considering our application."
Jaimie Gauld, FVSA Administrator, said: “I know I speak for the whole team when I say we are delighted to have been successful in securing this grant. Everything we do in the FVSA is for the Students, and I hope this will be a great addition to the pantry, especially as students can choose the items themselves. I do hope this is the start of a good relationship with Scotmid, this grant can be applied for on an annual basis, so there is the potential that it can serve many students in the future.”
Pauline Jackson, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, added: “It was great to welcome Lynne to our Falkirk Campus and discuss the challenges our students face. The funding will support the pantry and ultimately ensure students are able to focus on their learning to achieve their goals.”
