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Recent Grant Boosts Lake Area Technical College’s Student Food Pantry

Posted on: October 31, 2019   |   Category: News
Food Pantry Corteva Donation 10 19

For immediate release.

October 31, 2019

WATERTOWN, SD – Lake Area Technical College is a recipient of a generous $2500 grant from Corteva AgriScience, directed to Lake Area Technical College’s Student Food Pantry. Corteva Crop Protection Territory Manager Becky McGillivary presented a check on campus this week to Food Pantry representatives Nicki Yackley-Franken, Lake Area Technical College Librarian, and Stephanie Danielsen, Lake Area Technical College Student Support and Equity Coordinator. The Food Pantry is located on campus in the Timmerman Library.

The LATI Student Food Pantry was created in 2017 in response to a growing number of students who could not afford to purchase food. The pantry began with a few items available for students. Shortly after opening, the Student Food Pantry received significant cash donations from the Watertown Elks Lodge #838 and the Watertown Optimist Club to assist in adequately filling the shelves. Since then, a number of local businesses and organizations have also made significant contributions including the Coteau Hills Cattlemen’s Association, County Fair Food Store of Watertown, Lake Area Technical College Ag Department, the South Dakota Beef Council, and Midwest Ag. Just this past month, an anonymous couple and the local Vietnam Veterans of American Group #1121 made substantial monetary donations and a local producer donated 100 pounds of beef to the Food Pantry.

“The Corteva Agriscience grant adds an extra level of security, knowing we can continue to keep the Food Pantry stocked for our students,” Danielsen said. “Even with financial aid, most students still need to work to pay rent and bills so if we can help by offering food during times of need, we’re thankful we can do that with the help of these individuals, businesses, and organizations,” she added. Currently, 75 percent of LATI students work part- or full-time while enrolled.

“The local support of our Food Pantry has been amazing,” Yackley-Franken said. “We welcome students to stop by the food pantry anytime during library hours.” The library’s regular hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. No appointment is necessary and no questions are asked.

Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, pure-play agriculture company. Created by combining the best of DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences, is offers farmers around the world the most complete portfolio in the industry with a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity. It is well positioned to drive above-market growth through its industry-leading product pipeline and rigorous approach to innovation and operating discipline.

Photo: Lake Area Technical College Food Pantry representatives Nicki Yackley-Franken, LATI Librarian, and Stephanie Danielsen, LATI Student Support and Equity Coordinator, accepted a $2500 grant from Corteva Crop Protection Territory Manager, Becky McGillivary, this week in support of the LATI Student Food Pantry.