JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation & GK Join Forces to Reduce Hunger Among Tertiary Students 

Studies have shown that low food security among tertiary students is an often overlooked issue, although it can affect more than 25% of the tertiary population. It is against this background that the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation has made a J$1 million donation towards the GraceKennedy (GK) Campus Connect Food Bank, which is executed through the GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF). 

The initiative serves to provide over 250 tertiary students with food packages monthly, in a bid to alleviate the hunger of these vulnerable students, who are financially challenged. 

“No student’s educational pursuit should be hindered by hunger or poor nutrition, especially with the range of challenges that students already face while pursuing tertiary studies. Recognizing the far-reaching impact that inadequate nutrition can have in educational outcomes, the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation is pleased to be a part of this food bank initiative led by GKF, alongside other corporate donors, to assist our future leaders, to realise their greatness and achieve their dreams,” shared Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation. 

 

Higher education represents as an avenue to alleviate poverty and improve social and economic circumstances, as such the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation is committed to balancing for better and creating equitable opportunities for tertiary students, by supporting programmes like these. This is in line with the Foundation’s thrust to invest in education, having awarded J$12.2M in scholarships and bursaries to sixty-five (65) students at the secondary and tertiary levels for the 2023/24 academic year and supported other educational projects. 

GK Group CEO, Don Wehby, who was also announced as the Food Bank’s first patron earlier this year, explained, “The outpouring of support from JMMB and our other corporate partners is heartwarming, and demonstrates how collaborative efforts can go a long way in feeding the future – because our university students represent the future of this nation. So many students go hungry, having to choose between paying their tuition and being able to afford adequate nutrition, and so I am happy to see this growing commitment from the private sector to address this aspect of their growth and development.”

The food bank provides nutritional support to Jamaican tertiary students enrolled at The University of the West Indies, the University of Technology and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, since April 2019. To date, the Food Bank has provided over 4500 food packages to students in need, with a target of J$28 million to support at least 400 students on an ongoing basis. The demand continues to exceed the current capacity, especially in light of the challenging economic climate. 

Speaking on behalf of the students, Percival Roberts, School of Computing and Information Technology representative at UTech Jamaica Student Union, underscored, “Campus hunger is a serious issue facing many students who without the support of the food bank would not be able to have proper nutrition so that they can learn and fully participate in campus life. I commend the efforts of corporate entities like JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation and Gracekenedy for coming on board.” 

The food bank is the brainchild of UWI undergraduate students Norval and Claudine Mendez, who conceptualised the initiative through their programme Hands Across the Hall Action Project, to provide food items for students living on halls of residence at The UWI, Mona. This project has now morphed into the food bank and is providing more support to students, following the duo approaching the GraceKennedy Foundation with a proposal to expand its reach and its embed its viability.

GraceKennedy Foundation CEO, Caroline Mahfood shared, “Education is a cornerstone for individual’s growth and societal progress, therefore by investing in our students in this way we are investing in their future, making it brighter and filled with opportunities. Together, we can make a significant difference in these students' lives. We therefore invite our fellow Jamaicans to support by purchasing items for donation at selected Hi-Lo locations or make a donation online at  ccfoodbank.com. Every contribution counts, and together, we can help these students reach their potential without the burden of hunger.”