HOUSTON — Texas Southern University is taking on food insecurity, and students are leading the charge by helping to stock a new food pantry in partnership with Kroger.
University representatives said the Tiger Market will provide the fuel many students need to get them through long days of studying.
The new Tiger Market is located in the heart of the campus -- inside the student center. University representatives said many are first-generation college students and food insecurity is a real thing that can impact about 30% of the student population. They said the partnership with Kroger is invaluable.
If you're a TSU Tiger, you know the pack works together to do what needs to be done to support the family.
"Everything that I do on campus, it pretty much revolves around helping people or being a resource to others," Caridynn Green said.
She's a junior studying social work and worked alongside her classmates as they did some grocery shopping. It wasn't your average list, though, it's enough to support a student body of 8,000 -- all of it housed at the new Tiger Market Food Pantry. It's a free resource for every student.
"The most important piece is the food that we’re providing for our students is nutritional. And so definitely those late nights or in between classes the food is there. The doors are open and we’re just trying to encourage our students. We have the food pantry and it’s definitely for them," Provost and senior VP of Academic Affairs Carl Goodman said.
Kroger is helping by donating groceries and $30,000 to transform this space into a functioning food pantry. Kroger representatives said it's an extension of its commitment to end hunger in our communities.
"To relieve a little bit of the financial burden that they have. And what I would love to see is for our Tigers to not be worried about what they’re going to eat for their next meal, and to stay focused on their studies," Houston Kroger President Laoura Urquiza Gump said.
Studies show that, across the nation, more than 30% of students in university experience some sort of food insecurity. At TSU, many are first-generation college students able to go to college thanks to grants and loans.
"We’re all students. We’re all around the same age. We’re African-American for the most part. It does take away the stigma. You don’t have to be ashamed to come into the Tiger Market," Green said.
The food options were selected with care and provide nutritious options, some that can be cooked in a microwave, or things an on-the-go college student can take with them.
"We want them to be able to focus, and do well in their careers," Gump said.
The pantry was officially opened on Tuesday, Feb. 1.