Open Weekdays • 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Student Center (H106C)

In a new effort to further ensure the health and well-being of students, Frederick Community College (FCC) announces the grand opening of CougarMart, an initiative that embodies the College's deep-rooted commitment to tackling food insecurity on campus.
 
Understanding the challenges many students face outside the classroom, CougarMart aims to alleviate the stress of food scarcity that can impede their academic success. By ensuring that students have their basic needs met, CougarMart will contribute to a more focused, healthy, and thriving student community.
 
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food SECURITY as “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life," said FCC President Annesa Payne Cheek during the CougarMart grand opening. “That’s what we aim to accomplish for our students. CougarMart will be life-changing for many of our students.”
 
CougarMart provides nutritious food options as well as personal hygiene, and household items to enrolled students at no cost. Structured as a shopper-style pantry, CougarMart is more than just a food resource; it's a space that respects the power of choice. By enabling students to choose the food items that suit their dietary preferences and cultural needs, FCC aims to foster a more personalized and empowering experience. In addition to food offerings, CougarMart offers a clothing closet with a selection of business attire, promoting professional readiness among students.
 
Community partners Maryland Food Bank, Maryland SNAP Education, and the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County have provided generous support for this initiative, which reflects FCC's ongoing community collaboration to supporting the well-being and success of students in all aspects of their lives.
 
"Academic excellence can only be achieved when our students' basic needs are met," said Sergio Washington, FCC Director of Student Wellness and Support. "CougarMart is not just a place for students to find food; it's a step toward a brighter, more secure future for them."
 
The grand opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 14, 2024. CougarMart is located in the FCC Student Center, room H-106C.
 
CougarMart is part of the FCC Live Well initiative, a larger, holistic approach to student wellness and success at the College. Future plans include collaborating with local food suppliers and community organizations to ensure a diverse and sustainable range of offerings and integrating educational workshops on nutrition and budget-friendly shopping.
 
For more information about CougarMart, including how to support or benefit from the pantry, please contact Sergio Washington, Director of Student Wellness and Support, at [email protected] or 301.624.2786.