The Shadow
Clifton Forge, VA (VR) — Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) has officially launched the Gateway Market, a new on-campus food pantry designed to combat food insecurity and support student well-being. Funded by the Hunger Free Campus grant, the initiative addresses the growing need for basic resources across campus, ensuring all MGCC students have access to free, high-quality food and household items.
The Gateway Market is located in the Moomaw Center on the Clifton Forge campus. The pantry stocks essential staples, including dry pasta, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and crackers, along with basic household items such as can openers and salt and pepper sets.
Operating Hours & Access Guidelines
Location: Moomaw Center – Student Career Center (Clifton Forge Campus)
Operating Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Student Allowance: Each enrolled MGCC student may visit the Market once per week and select up to 10 items per visit.
Year-Round Support: The Gateway Market will continue operations through the summer semester.
Expansion PlansIn addition to the Clifton Forge location, MGCC is actively preparing to expand pantry services to its Rockbridge Regional Center in the near future, ensuring students across all campus sites receive equal support.
“At Mountain Gateway Community College, student success begins with meeting fundamental needs,” said Holly Fasig, Single Stop and ADA Coordinator at Mountain Gateway Community College. “The Gateway Market removes barriers so our students can focus on achieving their academic and career goals without worrying about food insecurity.”
“In rural mountain communities across the Alleghany Highlands and surrounding valleys, neighbors look out for neighbors—it is a core part of who we are,” said Dr. John Rainone, President of Mountain Gateway Community College. “But we also know that geographical isolation and economic pressures can make necessities like groceries a real burden for working families and students. Launching the Gateway Market gives our students the steady support and basic essentials they need to succeed.”
To ensure equitable access for all students, designated hours will be posted across campus.
Students whose academic or personal schedules conflict with regular operating hours are encouraged to contact Student Services to schedule a flexible appointment time.
ABOUT MGCC: Founded in 1962 and located in the Alleghany Highlands region of Central Virginia, Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia.
Mountain Gateway Community College operates two educational campuses, the Clifton Forge campus and the Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista. MGCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
Mountain Gateway Community College is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Northern Botetourt, and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington. For more information about Mountain Gateway Community College, please visit MGCC.edu
