Students and faculty interested in participating can make donations at the three Student Life Offices.  High protein items like tuna, peanut butter and pasta are highly desired.  Ending hunger at San Jacinto College is the objective behind the Food Drive and Pantry project scheduled to open in October.

Lacee Padron, a Sociology student and the current Project Lead for the initiative at Central Campus, said students struggling with hunger and money are a district wide problem.

“So many students stress over not being able to meet all their needs financially.  For many, this results in not having enough money to buy food.  Having a food pantry on campus provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential way to help those students who aren’t getting enough to eat,” Padron said.

The Food Drive and Pantry, still in the startup phase, is working hard to meet the needs of all San Jac students.

“It’s a district wide initiative we want to streamline on all three campuses,” Amanda Rose, Student Life Coordinator at Central Campus said.  “It’s important the process is run effectively and appropriately to simplify it for those in need.”

The only requirement for assistance is current enrollment at San Jac.  A confidential form will be available at the Student Life Offices, outside the food pantries, and at the Educational Planning and Counseling Offices on all three campuses in October.

The roles of Project Lead and Assistant Project Lead are available to two students at each campus to keep the initiative student-driven.  District wide efforts encourage student body participation through food drives and/or volunteering to work the food pantry.

“This will provide a great way for students going into the Social Services field to get real life, hands-on experience helping others,“ Padron said.

Rose said more information about the Food Drive and Pantry will be released shortly.