It’s a three-peat: Adult Education Division wins food drive competition
Members of the Adult Education celebrate their victory with a holiday treat basket
that they’re planning to share with students in their division.
Meridian Community College’s Adult Education division has done it again: claiming the top spot in the College’s annual Fall Food Pantry Drive for the third straight year.
The friendly competition helps stock the food pantry in the Margaret Taylor Blalock Resource Center, which supports MCC students. More than 600 items were donated by the Adult Education division, according to Wendy Cox, MCC support services coordinator.
“We wanted to be three-peat winners,” said Adult Education Director Jamila Brown Coleman. “But more than that, we wanted to give because many of our students have needed help from the pantry. Being able to support them and the whole MCC family means a lot to us.”
Adult Education staff said the win came with a twist. The team had almost forgotten the competition had started until one staff member showed up with her donations. “We all ended up bringing items during the same week,” Brown Coleman said. “We’re in it to win it.”
For the Adult Education Division, the drive isn’t only about competition. It’s tied to how they care for their students year-round.
“When our students come to registration, we tell them about the support available across campus,” said Rhonda Smith, college and career navigator. “We remind them that if they have a need, they should ask for help. This is a way for us to give back—not just to our students but to everyone.”
Cox said the fall competition is one of the most important donation periods of the year. “This drive helps us get ready for the holidays,” she explained. “Students come in before break needing extra items, and they often need more when they return. Having food in this time period is critical.”
Currently, the pantry’s biggest needs are “to-go” foods—quick meals students can prepare with limited time or resources. “Things like mac and cheese cups, instant potatoes, and soups go fast,” Cox said. “Hygiene products and cleaning supplies also move quickly.”
With another first-place finish, the Adult Education Division is embracing its new title.
“We’re building a dynasty here,” Brown Coleman joked. “But the real win is helping our MCC community.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/support.