CLEARLAKE, Calif. — In response to the growing issue of food insecurity among college students, Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus has expanded an initiative to provide essential resources to enrolled students.

An increasing number of students are reporting challenges in securing food for themselves and their families. To address this critical need, the college has been providing free groceries to students, ensuring they have the support necessary to focus on their education.

To further strengthen this initiative, college administrators invested in remodeling one of the campus buildings last November to house the new Basic Needs Center.

Now officially known as the Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace, the center provides students with a variety of essential items, including dry goods, frozen meats, fresh vegetables, toiletries and school supplies.

In addition, the Basic Needs Center offers assistance with applying for CalFresh and obtaining medical and mental health support.

Although the center has been in operation since January, Lake County Campus held its grand opening on Thursday afternoon.

The Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace currently serves 105 families in the Clearlake community, providing much-needed relief and support.

Dr. Lizette Navarette, President of Woodland Community College, emphasized the significance of this effort.

“Our students face enough challenges on their educational journey,” said Navarette. “No student should have to choose between pursuing their dreams and meeting basic needs. The Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace is a commitment to student success, reducing stigma around essential supports, and creating pathways to socioeconomic mobility.”

The Lake County Campus is located at 15880 Dam Road Extension in Clearlake.

To learn about the Eagle’s Essentials Marketplace and how to support this initiative, please contact Charlene Eckels, basic need specialist, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

For more information, contact the Lake County Campus at 707-995-7900 or visit https://wcc.yccd.edu/lake/.