History Highlight: Renegade Pantry Timeline
2009-2024
The Renegade Pantry is operated through the Office of Student Life to carry out its’ mission to “Eliminate Hunger One Student at a time”.
What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful movement, providing essential support to students in need.
Come explore the inspiring history of the Renegade Pantry!
Genesis
The Renegade Pantry began in 2009 in response to major cuts to California Community College special needs programs, which increased the needs of students.
The Bakersfield College Student Government Association “BCSGA” created the Renegade Pantry to support BC students’ health and well-being through community sponsorships and donations of nonperishable food. The program provides food and other materials to all students.
Growth
The original budget for the pantry was $2000 a month Which quickly grew to $6000 by the end of the Fall Semester 2010. Product was paid for through Campus Center fees, which was $1. Companies like Golden Empire Gleaners and Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank sold products to the Renegade Pantry at a discounted price.
In 2012 Distributions at the Renegade Pantry were relegated to once a month due to a bill passed years before which prevented the BCSGA from using the $1 fee to help fund the pantry. Seeing the help that the Renegade Pantry provided, the BC community pulled together. Donations from Faculty, Administrators, and Staff increased which helped expand services in the 2013 Spring Semester. This outpour of support helped distributions resume to Bi-Weekly.
Expansion
In 2015 The Pantry continued to expand. It partnered with several companies like Sam’s Club, Panera, and Bakersfield Gleaners to offer more products like clothing, toiletries, daily bread, fresh fruits, and vegetables. With all the services being offered to students in the former Maintenance Paint Room, things were getting tight.
On November 2016, Kern County approved Measure J, a bond that would fund crucial upgrades to the BC campus. When renovations began to the old Campus Center, The Renegade Pantry was uprooted from its original location and moved to a smaller space in the Levinson Hall, a former female dormitory in the 1950’s & 60’s.
In 2020 the City of Bakersfield declared a Local Emergency due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Staffing at BC was limited to only essential services. The Pantry quickly adapted to the circumstances by offering Drive-Through services. Instead of seeing a decrease in distributions, The Pantry saw an increase. By 2022 the weekly average was of 1,700 distributions.
Present
In 2023 The Renegade Pantry relocated to its current location in the new Campus Center. In 2024 CalFresh recognized The Pantry with a Gold Certification. This certification is awarded to pantries that demonstrate their commitment to addressing food insecurities, have a positive community feedback, and offer nutrition education to the community.
The Pantry continues to expand its reach with each passing year, and persists on its legacy of resilience, innovation, and compassion. The BC community is proud to fulfill its mission of “Eliminating Hunger, One Student at a Time”.
Timeline
Information
The Renegade Pantry provides assistance to students who may need a little extra help. Some of the services offered are:
- Renegade Nexus Farmers Market: Fruits, vegetables, and other food items are provided to students and community members.
- CalFresh Assistance: CalFresh can help stretch a tight budget, allowing students to incorporate healthy foods into their diet.
- Clothing & Hygiene Assistance: The Renegade Pantry can provide hygiene and clothing assistance, as well as a few school supplies.
Contact
Campus Center (CC) Building Room 130
Phone: (661) 395-4355
Email: thepantry@bakersfieldcollege.edu
Renegade Nexus Pantry website
