Texas State Technical College Launches Food Market to Support Students Facing Food Insecurity

In late February, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Fort Bend County teamed up with the Houston Food Bank to launch its Food Market. This market aims to provide students with essential food items and hygiene products.

The Food Market primarily stocks its shelves through the Food for Change food scholarship initiative offered by the Houston Food Bank. This program partners with various local organizations to distribute food, focusing on health and economic support for college students and workforce development.

The college’s Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) spent a year planning the upgrade from a small pantry to a full market. Throughout this time, the Houston Food Bank helped by regularly sending a trailer to ensure that students had enough supplies.

Larissa Moreno, the ARC Lead, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We want our students to be able to come in and focus on their studies. This market was our way of providing a sustainable solution for them.”

By creating this Food Market, TSTC is playing a vital role in supporting students’ well-being, allowing them to concentrate on their education without the stress of food insecurity. The market not only addresses immediate food needs but also promotes a healthier lifestyle for all students.