WORCESTER, MA – November 26, 2025 – Quinsigamond Community College’s HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center is experiencing unprecedented demand, serving more students and families than ever before as economic pressures and food and housing insecurity impact the local community. The college is focusing its Giving Tuesday campaign on raising funds for the food pantry to meet this demand.
Since the beginning of July, the pantry has registered over 750 students, supporting close to 1,700 household members. This marks a significant increase from the same period last year, when close to 450 students and 890 household members were served.
“We have adjusted our system so that we don’t have to turn anyone away, but the need goes up every week,” said Manager of the Home Plate Food Pantry and Resource Center Charlotte Operach.
On the busiest days, HomePlate serves up to 100 students. The pantry provides food items as well as personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and diapers. Additionally, students experiencing housing issues are connected to resources.
“If I think about my kids going hungry, I would rather miss a day at school, just to go to work to save my kids,” said a nursing student using the food pantry. “As a mother, it’s worrying. You cannot concentrate in school.”
About 75% of the pantry’s food supply comes from the Worcester County Food Bank, with the remainder purchased through donations and grants. Popular items include fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, oatmeal, pasta and diapers.
Operach noted that community support is critical, especially as the demand continues to increase. The pantry accepts product donations at the main campus as well as monetary donations through the QCC Foundation. Grocery store gift cards, now accepted up to $50, are also highly valued, allowing students to meet specific dietary needs.
“With everything going on with SNAP benefits and the cost of living so high, there’s a lot of anxiety,” Operach said. “But our students are so resilient.”
For more information or to donate, visit QCC.edu/foodpantry and QCC.edu/giving-tuesday.