PRESS RELEASE
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. Drake State Community and Technical College celebrated the grand opening of the Blue Eagle Market, a new on-campus food pantry designed to provide students with access to food and essential resources.
The Blue Eagle Market was established with support from Alfred Street Baptist Church through its Tithe the Tithe (T3) initiative, which invests in organizations and programs serving communities and creating opportunities for individuals and families.
The grand opening took place Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Drake State Bookstore on the first floor of the S.C. O’Neal Library. Representatives from Alfred Street Baptist Church joined Drake State students, faculty, staff and community partners for the celebration.
“Students come to Drake State focused on building a better future for themselves and their families. Basic necessities can have a direct impact on their ability to stay focused on that goal,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State Community and Technical College. “The Blue Eagle Market gives us another way to support our students beyond the classroom. We are grateful to Alfred Street Baptist Church for investing in our students and helping us remove barriers that can stand between a student and their ability to learn.”
The Blue Eagle Market will serve Drake State students experiencing food insecurity by providing convenient access to food and other essential items on campus. The initiative is part of the College’s broader commitment to create an enabling environment for student success.
“The Alfred Street Baptist Church seeks to put our resources to work in ways that create a meaningful and lasting impact,” said Bryan Bonner, Church Administrator of Alfred Street Baptist Church. “Supporting the Blue Eagle Market means supporting students as they pursue their education, prepare for careers and strengthen their communities. We are pleased to partner with Drake State in helping ensure students have access to the resources they need to support students.
The partnership demonstrates how colleges, faith-based organizations and community partners can work together to address students’ basic needs while supporting educational attainment and economic opportunity. Today’s opening follows a commitment from the Alfred Street Baptist Church to the Downtown Rescue Mission to support transitional housing.