OCCC has been awarded $95,000 through the Hunger-Free Campus Designation program funded by Oklahoma Human Services. The award was made possible through the collaboration of Hunger Free Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Oklahoma State Rep. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton).
The grant was initiated by Dr. Nancy Alexander, executive director of grants administration and associate vice president for advancement at OCCC, with support from Mike Shugart and Laura Swain, who oversee the Pantry Shop on campus. Their efforts help ensure that basic resources reach students most at risk.
In addition to this grant, OCCC Board of Trustees member William Sultemeier donated $5,000 to purchase a refrigerator for the Pantry Shop. The Kirkpatrick Foundation also contributed $20,000, expanding the impact of the college’s hunger-relief initiatives.
“That’s the ripple effect of kindness,” said Dr. Melissa Brevetti, director of grants at OCCC.
OCCC has further strengthened its support system through a contract with Feed the Children and a partnership with World Vision. This initiative was led by Phillip Carothers, director of grants and contracts accounting and compliance, in collaboration with Brevetti.
The most recent World Vision collaboration took place in October of 2024, with support from Ebenezer Baptist Church. Community partners – including the Latino Community Development Agency, Delta Dental, The Alpha Community Foundation, The Regional Food Bank, Red Cross, Friends of Pet, St. Luke Methodist Church, Community Health Agency and Sunbeam Family Services – came together under the coordination of the Rev. Christine Byrd. More than 100 volunteers participated, serving over 2,000 students and families and distributing new appliances, furniture, clothing and more.
“People got brand-new furniture and items,” Brevetti said. “And because of the food pantry’s success, we were able to do the World Vision giveaway.”
With the support of donors and campus leadership, OCCC has officially achieved hunger-free campus status.
The Pantry Shop, located in Room 2J4 of the Main Building, is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closing on the fourth Thursday of each month to allow for restocking). Students can visit once per week with a valid student ID – no appointment required.
Snack Shacks, the bright red shelves placed around campus, also offer grab-and-go snacks throughout the day. In 2024 alone, more than 2,300 students have used the OCCC Food Pantry.
According to a recent campus survey, nearly 40% of OCCC students have gone a full day without eating. Campus leaders are determined to change that.
“Food insecurity does not have to be a hardship for our OCCC students,” Brevetti said, “with the generosity of many.”
