Single-Parent Hancock Students Receive Free Thanksgiving Meals

NOVEMBER 26, 2024 -- For the 16th year in a row, Allan Hancock College provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.

A total of 60 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 26, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Also included were turkey preparation and cooking instructions. 

“It is impactful for the parents who are Hancock students because right now they’re having a really hard time,” said Director of EOPS+ Siboney Guardado. “They are part of our vulnerable student population, so it’s not just academics – it’s also managing their kids and daycare. This week, with the kids off school, it’s especially tough for them.”

The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program, one of several programs under the umbrella of EOPS+, is a state-funded service for single parents attending Hancock. The program provides support services such as tutoring, academic counseling, computer access, and a play area for the student’s children. This year, the turkey giveaway not only served students in the CARE program but also to students in Hancock’s EOPS, NextUp, CalWORKs, Rising Scholars, Guardian Scholars, AIM to Dream, CAN/TRIO, Veterans, LAP, Noncredit Counseling and Basic Needs programs.

“We have a big heart for our students, and we want them to be able to have a Thanksgiving meal,” said Guardado. “Providing them with a meal makes it easier on them, and we can see how much they appreciate it.”

The turkeys and food were purchased from Spencer’s Fresh Market.

To learn more about Hancock’s EOPS+ programs, call 805-922-6966 ext. 3623.