Titan2Titan Program Receives $8,000 Grant, Supports Needs of Eastern Florida State College Students

staffed by students who help with professional clothing suggestions, hygiene items and healthy meal ideas

Received $8,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Brevard and a new partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Eastern Florida State College announced an $8,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Brevard and a new partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to help stock the shelves in its Titan2Titan food pantries, supporting students in need.

“We are very grateful to both the Community Foundation for Brevard and the Second Harvest Food Bank for their generous support,” said Eastern Florida State College President Dr. Jim Richey.

“Their generosity will further enhance our ability to assist those in need on our campuses through our Titan2Titan program. This student-centered program provides food and clothing to help ensure our students have what they need to be successful.”

In 2018, Dr. Richey identified food insecurity as one of the factors inhibiting the success of some students at the college.

To help address the issue head-on, the Titan2 program was developed and quickly expanded to meet the needs of students on all four EFSC campuses: Palm Bay, Titusville, Cocoa, and Melbourne.

Initially, donations to the program came from caring faculty and staff members. However, their efforts were quickly supplemented through the EFSC Foundation and the local community.

Thanks to this generous giving, the Titan2Titan program was able to purchase refrigerators and freezers needed to store perishable food options at each campus location.

Now the markets have expanded to include a selection of fresh and frozen foods available to any currently enrolled student who needs a helping hand. Even college employees who are struggling to make ends meet will find a smile and the help they need to continue serving students.

The markets are staffed by students who can help with professional clothing suggestions, hygiene items, and healthy meal ideas.

Ryan Osborne, a current student with EFSC who is working at the Titan2Titan market, said, “I love helping my fellow students in such a meaningful way. I feel like I am making a real difference in their lives and my own community.”

“It’s exciting to see this program really take shape,” added Dean of Students Barbara Kennedy.

“It is already challenging to ask for and accept help. We really wanted to provide a space that provided the most dignified experience possible. Many of our students come to us hoping to improve their lives through education, but face challenges balancing family needs, paying bills, and staying afloat. If we can help get them over the hurdle, they can focus on their classes and gain the career of their dreams. That’s success, and that’s what we hope to help them achieve.”

If you would like to donate by check, please make checks payable to EFSC Foundation, Inc. and mail them to EFSC Foundation, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935. Please indicate on your check that it is for the Titan2Titan Program. Your donation is tax-deductible and very appreciated.

For more information about Eastern Florida State College’s Titan2Titan program, CLICK HERE.

If you would like to support this initiative or the EFSC Foundation in general, visit foundation.easternflorida.edu.

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