TAMIU Annual Report 2020

This Fall, TAMIU students benefited from donations made to Dusty’s Food Pantry, provided by Electric Transmission Texas (ETT) and the Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club. The ETT contribution of $1,000 was used to assist students who may be facing food insecurity by providing a temporary supplemental supply of non-perishable goods. The LaredoDaybreakRotary Club alsoprovided a $1,000donation. DaybreakRotarymembers completed several fundraising initiatives, including virtual fundraising opportunities. “We know food insecurity for students is a real issue at campuses across the nation and TAMIU is no exception. Our members took up the cause and we’re happy to be able to offer Dusty’s Pantry our as- sistance,” said Liz Gomez , Daybreak Rotary president. Tony Arce, Jr., Manager of External Affairs at AEP Texas and ETT representative, noted the impact of assisting students in need. “It’s important to support students as they experience the unique challenges brought on by the ongoing Pandemic,” said Arce. Similar sentiments were expressed by Mariana Rodríguez , Student Emergency Services coordinator. “Food insecurity is a real issue that affects our student body. Through Dusty’s Food Pantry, we canassist students andhelp them succeed,” said Rodríguez. Throughout the Spring 2020 semester, 231 studentswere able to access the pantry, resulting inover 2,142 items given to students in need. Over 70% of those students who used the foodpantrywere unemployed, and over 60% of Dusty’s Food Pantry users are first-generation college students. Learn more about these contribu- tions at go.tamiu.edu/ar20-ett and go.tamiu.edu/ar20-daybreak . Throughout the Spring and Fall 2020 semester, additional safetymeasures were enacted including cleaning items before stocking them in the pantry anddisinfecting the pantry after use. DUSTY’S FOOD PANTRY, STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM DONOR SUPPORT Initially launched in 2017, Dusty’s Food Pantry provides daily ac- cess tonon-perishable goods.Members of theUniversity community, includingfellowstudents,faculty,staffandadministrationandthecom- munity at large regularly supply donations to help support the Pantry. “IT’S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AS THEY EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES BROUGHT ON BY THE ONGOING PANDEMIC.” -TONY ARCE, JR. Present at the check presentationwere (standing,L toR) Mariana Rodríguez, Tony Arce Jr.,Dr.Pablo Arenaz,andMayra Hernández. 8