TAMIU’s Dusty’s Food Pantry Partners with South Texas Food Bank

At Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), no student should have to choose between their education and their next meal. 

Thanks to a partnership with the South Texas Food Bank (STFB) and through the support of the TAMIU Alumni Association, food insecurity is being actively addressed through an expanded community partnership aimed at supporting Dusty’s Food Pantry, an on-campus food pantry available to enrolled students.

Since the partnership’s launch in Fall 2023, Dusty’s Food Pantry has served some 1,010 household members, with 1,236 visits made. In response to the growing demand, Dusty’s Food Pantry has purchased over 13,000 pounds of food in the last year, providing much-needed support to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Through the partnership, Dusty’s Food Pantry now has access to a wider variety of nutritious food options to better meet the diverse dietary needs on campus, explained Melissa Olivarez, program specialist II with the University’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement.

“Partnering with the STFB has enhanced how we serve our students at Dusty’s Food Pantry. With increased access to food, equipment, and expert guidance, we’re able to operate more efficiently and reach more individuals in need. This collaboration truly strengthens our mission to fight food insecurity,” Olivarez said.

Additional grant opportunities have aided in the purchase of commercial-grade refrigerators and freezers, ensuring the pantry can store perishable food and distribute it safely and efficiently. The partnership has also offered the needed operational support from a knowledgeable team on best practices for running a food pantry, Olivarez explained.

“As an agency of the STFB, Dusty’s Food Pantry has gained access to a larger network of food supplies. A wide variety of perishable and non-perishable foods is available at a lower cost to us and even provided to us free of charge at times through donations the food bank receives. With the increase in food prices, this has allowed us to serve more students in need while being good stewards of the funding allocated for these initiatives,” said Olivarez.

By partnering with universities, local food banks, like the South Texas Food Bank can reach young adults and contribute to their academic success, explained STFB director of Development and Marketing, Angie Osterman. 

“Financial and physical food barriers are the leading causes of food insecurity in the student demographic. Improved access to a free source of food will not only potentially improve the student's physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well,” said Osterman.

She stressed the importance of breaking stigmatized perceptions and instead focusing on how these resources are available to all individuals.

“The most important thing to remember is that food insecurity knows no seasons or social barriers. This means that anyone, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background, can experience hunger. No one is exempt from falling into hard economic, health or family-challenging times. Food pantries are not there just for those who are either ‘extremely poor’ or ‘starving’ -- these are extreme cases. Food pantries are there for people like you and me when we need a little extra help to get us and our families by,” Osterman emphasized.

Established in Oct. 2017, Dusty's Food Pantry plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity and wellness on the campus, ensuring students can focus on their education without the added worry of hunger or inadequate personal care products, including dental and personal hygiene items.

The free on-campus pantry is available to currently enrolled TAMIU students. More information is available at https://go.tamiu.edu/dustysfoodpantry. To make a donation to Dusty’s Food Pantry, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/foodpantry/give.shtml

For more information, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement at 956.326.2265, via email at scce@tamiu.edu or visit www.tamiu.edu/scce. 

Registration for TAMIU’s Maymester, Summer, and Fall 2025 is underway online via Uconnect. 

For more on TAMIU’s story, visit its social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, and online at tamiu.edu.