Fueling Success: Expanding Access to Food and Opportunity at CMC

Copper Mountain College continues to strengthen its commitment to student
wellness and basic needs through an ongoing partnership with FIND
Regional Food Bank, bringing consistent food access and paid opportunities
to students across campus. Through regular Market Days, CMC students
can access fresh nutritious food at no cost. These events provide a welcoming
space where students can select groceries to take home, while also offering
weekly grab-and-go bags to support those who need quick, reliable
access to food between classes.

“At FIND Regional Food Bank, we are proud to partner with Copper Mountain
College to ensure students have reliable access to nutritious food and
the support they need to succeed,” said Debbie Espinosa, President & CEO of
FIND Regional Food Bank. “By bringing consistent, no-cost food resources
directly to campus, we are helping remove barriers that can stand in the
way of academic achievement. Together, we are not only meeting immediate
needs, but also creating a stronger foundation for students to thrive in
the classroom and beyond”

FIND Regional Food Bank is dedicated to relieving hunger and addressing
its root causes through awareness, education, and the mobilization of community
resources. With a vision of creating a community free from hunger
and food insecurity, the organization centers its work in values of respect,
integrity, collaboration, service, and accountability – values reflected in its
partnership with CMC. The partnership removes financial barriers by ensuring
that all food distributed through Market Days is provided by FIND Regional
Food Bank at no cost to the college, allowing the program to expand
its reach and consistency.

In addition to food distribution, FIND Regional Food Bank supports student
success through the FIND Success Program. Eligible students can participate
in a 20-hour internship experience and receive a $500 stipend, creating
opportunities to build skills while receiving financial support. To learn more
about this program, students are able to visit the Wellness Center, Monday
through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the 300 Quad.

“Through our partnership with Copper Mountain College, students can regularly
access fresh produce and pantry staples in a way that is consistent
and accessible within their daily routines,” said Lorena Marroquin, Vice President
of Community Impact of FIND Regional Food Bank. “In addition, the
FIND Success Internship Program provides students with paid, hands-on
experience, allowing them to build practical skills while receiving financial
support – connecting immediate food access with opportunities for longterm
stability”

At Copper Mountain College, this work aligns with a broader mission to provide
equitable access to resources and support the success of every student.
Programs like Market Days and the FIND Success Program demonstrate how
meeting basic needs is essential to academic achievement, reinforcing the
college’s role as both an educational and community-centered institution.