Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) proudly announces the launch of the Lakehawks’ Harvest Food Pantry, an 1,200 square foot store designed to address food insecurity among students while supporting their academic success and overall well-being.
The name Lakehawks’ Harvest was suggested and voted by students earlier this year.
Recent national research indicates that food insecurity affects as much as 40 percent of students at community colleges.
“College is not just about academics, it’s about creating an environment where students feel supported and can be successful,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, Interim President of LSSC. “This pantry is a tangible investment in our students’ well-being and success. By removing barriers like hunger, we are giving students the opportunity to focus more fully on their studies and their futures.”
Research consistently demonstrates that food-insecure college students experience compromised academic performance, including lower GPAs, higher dropout rates, and increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The Lakehawks’ Harvest Food Pantry directly addresses these challenges by ensuring students have reliable access to nutritious meals.
Lakehawks’ Harvest will be open two days a week and will be stocked with perishable and non-perishable food items, as well as toiletries and other household supplies. Any enrolled student can visit each day for up to 8 items at no cost.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the student pantry officially opened its doors, welcoming 73 students and distributing nearly 670 pounds of food on its first day.
The food pantry will be operated by the College’s Student Affairs staff with the support of student employees. Food for the pantry is purchased or provided through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Lake Cares.
“Collaboration strengthens our success,” added Byrd. “Together with our donors and partners, we are helping build a stronger, healthier future for our students.”
Among the donors who support the food pantry are LSSC employees. In 2025, employees donated over $65,000 to the LSSC Foundation; many of these gifts were designated for food insecurity.
“Opening Lakehawks’ Harvest marks a significant milestone,” said Dr. Joseph Mews, Vice President of Enrollment & Student Affairs. “I’m deeply grateful to our Student Wellness team, the LSSC Foundation, Lake Cares, Second Harvest Food Bank, and all of our community partners whose collaboration and compassion made this initiative possible.”
The Lakehawks’ Harvest Food Pantry is located in the Student Center on the Leesburg Campus.
