The Renegade Nexus Pantry held a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29, celebrating the Grand Opening of the newly renovated pantry. The Renegade Nexus Pantry is now located by the Campus Center in Room 130.

The Renegade Nexus Pantry began in 2009 by Bakersfield College Student Government Association BCSGA. Last Spring, the Pantry and Community Action Partnership of Kern CAPK, partnered together to provide Bakersfield College students with basic necessities such as snacks, hygiene products including feminine products, cleaning products, and clothes. This expansion allows the program to help students meet their basic needs.

Caitlin Davidson, Program Manager of Basic Needs, reflected on the program’s closet tight space in the past. “Before, when the pantry was so busy, there was not enough room to access both food and clothes due to the cramped space,” she said. “Now we have more than enough space…Also it’s nice to see the pantry in a more visible space on campus.”

Angelina Medina-Rosas, a BC Student, states that she has been using the program the last four years. She states,” [The pantry is] a lot bigger than it used to be and students have direct access to [the pantry] a lot better now and there are a lot more items inside than before.”

Any current Bakersfield College student enrolled in 0.5 credit is eligible to use the Renegade Nexus Pantry. Students must present their current BC student ID card in order to purchase items with rechargeable points.

Students can apply for a current student ID at the Office of Student Life.

Each student receives 12 points per week. Points are reloaded each week and unused points do not roll over or accumulate.

Additionally, students may purchase a $15 SGA sticker to place on the back BC Student ID card, which will give them 15 rechargeable points per week instead of the regular 12 points.

The Renegade Nexus Pantry is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 8 am to 6 pm. Wednesdays 8am to noon. Closed on Fridays. For more information, please visit the Bakersfield College Renegade Nexus Pantry web page.