Albertsons Foundation Grant Supports Food Security for RCCD TRIO, Upward Bound Students
09/02/2025
The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from the Albertsons Companies Foundation to address food insecurity among students in its TRIO and Upward Bound programs.
The funding will provide nutritious snacks and light meals for 1,914 high school students, most of whom are low-income and the first in their families to pursue higher education. Students participate in year-round activities including after-school tutoring, Saturday academies, college preparation workshops, and a six-week summer residential program.
Program staff report that many participants arrive at sessions without having eaten, making it difficult for them to focus and fully engage. The grant will support RCCD’s Student Wellness Initiative, which provides food during extended learning opportunities.
“Funding like this is vital because it strengthens the student support programs that are already working to help our scholars overcome food insecurity,” said Jeffry Kaatz, executive director of the RCCD Foundation. “The need in the Inland Empire is significant, and this contribution ensures we have more resources to meet students where they are, so they can focus on learning and pursuing their educational goals.”
Since 2020, the Albertsons Companies Foundation has awarded $60,000 to RCCD initiatives, including support for veterans and student resource centers. The new funding aligns with the foundation’s priority of hunger relief.
According to RCCD, program goals for the initiative include improving student focus and participation, encouraging consistent attendance, and fostering a greater sense of well-being among historically underserved students.
The TRIO and Upward Bound programs serve high school students in Riverside County who face barriers to higher education, with priority given to those who are both low-income and first-generation.
Community members who would like to support RCCD students and programs like TRIO can learn more about contributing to student success by visiting the RCCD Foundation at https://rccd.edu/community/foundation.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications