Around WakeTech
Care Center Prepares for Rising Demand
Student Assistance Needed as Government Shutdown Continues
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 29, 2025) – The Wake Tech Care Center is gearing up for an increased demand for student support as the federal government shutdown continues. Thousands of Wake County residents are expected to lose food assistance as of November 1, when the government delays funding for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Hundreds of Wake Tech students and families may be affected.
In anticipation of increased demand for assistance, the Care Center is ramping up resources to help registered students in need. Already, there has been a jump in the number of students requesting Thanksgiving meals through the Care Center's "A Wake and Thankful" initiative, a partnership with Food Lion. All next week, the Care Center will be handing out meal kit bags filled with nonperishable items such as instant mashed potatoes, gravy, canned vegetables, muffin mix and ingredients for apple and pumpkin pies. The kits also include a voucher for a free turkey.
Last year, the college served 262 students who requested the meal kits. This year, the college has received 761 applications.
The Care Center offers a variety of student support resources, including The Nest food pantry – a nod to the college's mascot, Talon the Eagle – as well as laptops, wellness services and emergency financial assistance.
Nearly 1,000 students with food insecurity turn to The Nest for assistance each year. The Nest is supported by Food Lion, Publix and private donors. Students shop online for items and arrange for pick-up at one of the pantry's eight locations. Care Centers also have ready-to-go bags of main staples available for students who need support but do not desire to shop. In addition, Care Centers provide digital shopping cards in partnership with Food Lion for online students, and a Care Box is available at the Perry Health Sciences Campus for students who may need support after hours.
Students can also find support at every Wake Tech library and Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC). Each library and TLC offers The Perch, a micro-pantry with healthy snacks, hygiene items and school supplies to meet on-the-spot needs.
How can you help?
Monetary donations are the fastest way to quickly and effectively ensure that the Care Center can replenish needed items as they are exhausted. Donations can be made to the Wake Tech Foundation. The Nest also gladly accepts donations of non-perishable goods. Donations can be dropped off at Care Center locations on any Wake Tech campus.
