Miami, March 18, 2018 – Throughout March, South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union (SFEFCU) is hosting a Month of Giving to help feed Miami Dade College’ (MDC) students in need.
The MDC Student Food Pantries, which stock nonperishable foods, toiletries and, when available, fresh produce, provide a means for college students to stay focused on their studies despite financial hardships. The program began at MDC’s North Campus in 2013, and today, about 8,000 low-income students are utilizing food pantries regularly across seven of the College’s eight campuses. With approximately 100,000 low-income students attending MDC each year, the need far outweighs what pantries are currently able to provide. During the spring, food pantry supplies tend to decline.
As part of their month-long campaign, SFEFCU has awarded scholarships to three MDC students, Ana Vergara, Shelby Mefford, and Sabrina Federhofer, for their exemplary artwork as part of a t-shirt design contest. Vergara’s winning design “My 305” is being featured on campaign t-shirts, with t-shirt sales also benefitting the MDC Student Food Pantries.
SFEFCU and Miami Dade College Foundation encourage the public to join this initiative in 3 ways:
Donate non-perishable food items or personal hygiene products: Items may be dropped off at any of SFEFCU’s branches during regular business hours. Below is a list of some of the items the MDC Food Pantries urgently need:
- Pasta, soups, and stews
- Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Microwave meals (non-refrigerated)
- Peanut butter and jelly, cereals, breakfast bars
- Baby food, formula, diapers
- Hygiene products: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap
Purchase a student-designed t-shirt.
T-shirts are available in two colors in sizes S-XXL and can be purchased at all branches for $10. All proceeds from the sale of the shirt will go benefit MDC’s Student Food Pantries.
Make a monetary contribution through Miami Dade College Foundation: https://www.mdcfoundation.com/food-pantry
To learn more about this campaign, please visit: www.sfefcu.org/monthofgiving. To donate, visit www.mdcfoundation.com/food-pantry.
About South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union
South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union is the largest Credit Union headquartered in Miami-Dade County and serves educators, students and the families of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College. South Florida Educational FCU is committed to increasing educational opportunities for students in Miami Dade County. For more information, please visit www.sfefcu.org
About Miami Dade College Foundation
Founded in 1965, Miami Dade College Foundation raises essential private funds to support scholarships, academic programs and support services so MDC students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. MDC Foundation also supports world-class arts and cultural programming at MDC that enriches the community. In 2017-2018, MDC Foundation distributed nearly $9.5 million to benefit the students and programs of MDC. Known as Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. Miami Dade College is the largest degree-granting institution in the nation. The college’s eight campuses offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways including several baccalaureate degrees in biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film and others. For more information, please visit MDCFoundation.com.
SFEFCU Contact: Gisela Colón, financial education program specialist, 305-270-6633
MDC Foundation contact: Alyssa Zamora, director of communications and digital engagement, 305-237-3331, azamora@mdc.edu