How The University of Texas at San Antonio Is Tackling Food Insecurity with Local Sourcing Initiatives

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is taking steps to help students facing food insecurity while supporting local farms. Their new program, called the Farm-Fresh Box, offers free boxes of fresh produce sourced from local farms. This initiative is a collaborative effort between UTSA Dining, managed by Aramark, and The Common Market Texas, a local food distributor.

Hallie Casey, the director of partnerships for The Common Market, shared, “With this program, we’re able to bring produce directly from farmers to the student community at UTSA. Knowing your farmer ensures you get the freshest and most nutritious food. It’s been wonderful partnering with UTSA and Aramark to make this happen.”

The Roadrunner Pantry, a campus resource providing food and supplies to students in need, is also part of this initiative. Zach Marcotte, the pantry’s program manager, commented, “The Roadrunner Pantry serves anyone on campus facing food insecurity. Accessing fresh produce like this is invaluable. Many students will get to try items like butter lettuce, okra, or kale for the first time. It’s an exciting way to introduce them to new foods while supporting their health.”

The Farm-Fresh boxes contain 10 pounds of seasonal produce from Texas farms. The first boxes were distributed in November, and students have spoken positively about how these boxes have made a difference in their lives. One student, Josiah James, expressed gratitude, saying, “Financially, things have been tight, and getting groceries isn’t always easy. It’s a big relief to receive food and household items for free. Programs like this are crucial, and I appreciate UTSA for providing such opportunities.”

This initiative is not just about food. It aims to tackle food insecurity, build community, and support local farmers. Stephanie Edgett, the associate director of Campus Services, remarked, “We’re grateful to The Common Market Texas, UTSA Dining, and The Roadrunner Pantry for making this program possible. Such resources create a meaningful impact on our campus, and we’re excited about its growth.”