MCTC continues efforts to support students facing food insecurity

Published on Apr 1, 2025

Maysville Community and Technical College is proud to assist students who face food insecurity, furthering progress in a Kentucky Community and Technical College System initiative to address the insecurity across the commonwealth. 

With a recently announced joint agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), MCTC staff is working hard to strengthen student access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

At a system office level, a study conducted last year revealed that 48 percent of KCTCS students reported not knowing where their next meal was coming from. Additionally, 48 percent of respondents stated they were housing insecure, with 45 percent being parents. 

In total, around one in six Kentuckians are suffering from food insecurity, with almost 16 percent not knowing where their next meal will come from. 

Stacey Tackett, a single mom of 2 and a student at MCTC, has faced food insecurity during her time with the institution. This brought financial worry and stress, on top of the stress to fulfill her degree requirements. 

“I had to watch every penny I spent. We often referred to local food banks and during Thanksgiving and Christmas, we were lucky to have a dinner donated to my family,” Tackett said.

At first, Tackett found it difficult to get in contact with representatives for SNAP. Later, Tackett received assistance from MCTC in connecting her to the resources she needed. 

“She was a big help when calling and got through the call number very quickly,” Tackett explained.

Tackett wants other students to be informed of the services they can receive, such as K-tap, health insurance, assistance with childcare and much more. 

She shared some advice to those who may be eligible, but hesitant to apply for SNAP benefits. 

“Take any assistance they are qualified for. That is what those programs are there for. Especially if they are working, going to college and raising a family. We all need help from time to time,” Tackett remarked.