KILLEEN, Texas — Food insecurity continues to be a struggle for college students across the nation. That's why Central Texas universities are trying to utilize and resupply their food pantries for students this fall.
Texas A&M-Central Texas offers a Campus Cupboard. It's is a student-run food pantry built to serve all students, staff and faculty in need of assistance.
However, it's not just food. Students can pick up simple things like hygiene products and laundry detergent.
Paul York, Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Texas A&M-Central Texas, helped start up the food pantry.
"We noticed that a good number of our students were experiencing some food insecurity," York said.
York says at least 20% of community college students who are transferring to their campus experience some type of food insecurity.
"If your belly is hungry, you can't learn in the classroom," York added. "This was a great way for us to continue supporting our students."
The university added a section outside their campus cupboard in the summer of 2023.
"It's more of a way for our students to not only be discreet, but also come in during after hours," student and Blue Coat Ambassador, Antonio Sandoval Jr., said. "We'll find what they're asking for, and we'll put it in these lockers here, so they can go ahead and pick it up themselves."
The university is asking for donations, but says it will take a village. You can check out the university's Amazon Wish List to see some of the top items they need.
"We are never not looking for resources," York said. "With Warriors' help and people in the area, we'll be able to get back up to where we should be to help our students."
The university says the increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits taking effect Oct. 1 will help their students this fall, but it's still a struggle for them to know what to pay and what food they can afford.
"Killeen is really a food desert," York explained. "You have a lot of folks in the area who have need and aren't able to get access to the resources that they're eligible for."
Now, lets take a look at what these changes in SNAP benefits look like.
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS), the maximum SNAP income limits used to determine eligibility, deductions allowed when determining SNAP eligibility and more are all changing in October.
HHS says anyone can apply for SNAP as long as they are a U.S. citizen, Texas resident and have the ability to verify identity and provide their Social Security Number.
In order to apply for SNAP, you must submit an application online at YourTexasBenefits.com or in person at one of the 231 local eligibility offices, which can be found here.
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