Rachel Hopkins, the CEO of CHIP of Roanoke Valley, emphasizes the growing importance of food support as SNAP benefits face challenges. Many families struggle to make ends meet well before the month ends. The recent partnership has played a crucial role in providing timely food deliveries that help alleviate this burden.
“Families often find themselves making tough choices, like between diapers and groceries. Getting a food box just in time can prevent these hard decisions,” Hopkins explains. “Reliable deliveries have truly made a difference.”
Kris Rau, an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, highlights how inspiring it has been to see students engage with CHIP. These experiences offer students a look at the social and economic factors that impact health. Rau feels that this involvement helps students build empathy and strong communication skills—vital tools for their future careers in medicine.
At a recent conference, students Colby Mallett, Etta Hanlon, and Blaire Barton showcased their project, earning the Best Poster Award for its significant community impact. “This is what Virginia Tech aims for,” says Susan E. Short, a senior vice president at the university. “When students actively listen and collaborate with the community, it enriches their learning while helping local families.”
Even with supportive partners, challenges persist. Transporting food boxes from the distribution site is no small task. Hanlon credits the community volunteers for their commitment, while Hopkins praises the students for their innovative problem-solving approaches.
“Our team felt uplifted, and families felt acknowledged. The students’ dedication elevated this project,” she says.
Hanlon encourages more students to engage with local nonprofits or food banks, even if it doesn’t directly relate to their field. “Getting involved can uncover vital needs and spark great ideas,” she states.
In fact, a growing number of universities are emphasizing community engagement as part of their educational mission. According to a recent survey by the Campus Compact, nearly 70% of college students believe that community service should be a graduation requirement. Programs like this clearly show the power of collaboration in addressing community needs.
As these students and organizations work together, they not only create immediate solutions but also inspire change within their communities. By fostering these partnerships, we can build stronger, more resilient futures for everyone involved.
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