Harvey E. Najim, a local philanthropist, has made a significant impact by donating $1.25 million to the San Antonio Food Bank. This donation aims to help feed students at UTSA. Officials from both UTSA and the food bank gathered on January 29 to kick off this generous effort, which will spread over the next decade. Each year, $125,000 will go to the food bank, addressing the growing issue of food insecurity among students.
The San Antonio Food Bank plays a vital role in the community, distributing millions of pounds of food to over 500 organizations across Southwest Texas. Najim’s contribution will particularly support the Roadrunner Pantry on both the Main and Downtown campuses. This pantry is essential in providing students with free food, helping them focus on their studies rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from. Najim is also organizing monthly food drives to further assist students.
“Students will no longer have to choose between tuition, books, gasoline for the car and food. I don’t want them to make that choice,” Najim shared, reflecting his commitment to helping students succeed.
Najim has a long history of supporting UTSA through various donations. He previously gave $3 million to establish the Career Advancement Center and $2 million to expand its services. His ongoing support for the Roadrunners’ Football program showcases his dedication to enhancing the student experience.
Eric Cooper, the president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, highlighted the importance of this support. “It’s tough to feel secure when your stomach is growling and you’re hungry,” he said. The aim is to ensure students can easily access nutritious food on campus.
Food insecurity is a significant concern nationwide. A 2024 study revealed that nearly 25% of college students faced food insecurity. Many eligible for SNAP benefits do not utilize them, making it harder for students to get the help they need, especially with rising food costs. Food prices have surged by 28% since 2019, adding to the challenge.
The Roadrunner Pantry is dedicated to helping students know about the resources available to them. Esperanza Regalado, a student assistant at the pantry, stressed the importance of awareness: “Getting the word out about the pantry is the best way to help us fight food insecurity.” Since opening in 2017, the pantry has seen its daily visitors grow to around 200. It provides essential items like peanut butter, bananas, water, and toilet paper for free. Despite this growth, there’s still room for more students to take advantage of the services offered.
“A lot here goes to waste, so we want more people to use it,” said Sebastian Legorreta, also a student assistant. However, the stigma associated with seeking help can discourage students from visiting the pantry. Cooper emphasized, “There’s no shame. If you need help, the food pantry is there for you.”
The Roadrunner Pantry relies not just on the San Antonio Food Bank but also on community support. Students volunteer their time to help keep the pantry running smoothly, and they also donate funds. Last fall, the pantry raised over $22,000 in a friendly competition with Texas State’s pantry. A newly formed student group, the Feeding Futures Society, is working to unite efforts against food insecurity by supporting the pantry and offering more volunteer opportunities.
Regalado noted, “We rely a lot on our community. Having these helping hands helps us accomplish our mission even more.”
Students can visit the Roadrunner Pantry located in the Student Union at Main Campus or in the Durango Building at the Downtown Campus. For those interested in volunteering, sign-ups are available on RowdyLink or by contacting the pantry directly. The San Antonio Food Bank is located at 5200 Historic Old Hwy 90, with further information accessible on their website.
