Sul Ross State University has partnered with West Texas Food Bank to combat food insecurity for college students.

West Texas Food Bank is the largest non-profit, non-governmental hunger relief organization in the Permian Basin, and collects, purchases and distributes food for individuals in West Texas who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity.

The Lobo Pantry is an on-campus food pantry for SRSU students, who are currently eligible to visit the pantry once a month. Founded in the summer of 2020 through COVID-19 grant funding, it continues to be funded by grants and donations.

Food insecurity can have a spiral effect on students and can cause them to make difficult, unhealthy decisions, and increase their risk of withdrawing from school, according to Katy Williams, director of Civic Engagement and Student Assistance.

“The West Texas Food Bank is excited about the emerging partnership with Sul Ross,” said West Texas Food Bank CEO Libby Campbell. “We realize that college students can be on strained budgets while trying to work on their education. We are hoping this new partnership will help relieve that pressure so the students can truly focus on their degree paths moving forward. “

The Lobo Pantry, located in Ferguson Hall, is open Monday through Friday by appointment and will begin weekly distribution days on Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. starting Sept. 1.

“Data tells us that food insecurity and reliable access to affordable and nutritious food is a challenge for Brewster County,” said Williams, referring to a pre-COVID survey from Feeding America that reported that 15.6 percent of residents suffer from the issue. “That means it’s also a challenge for our students. This partnership helps to facilitate our access to food products that our students cannot easily access or afford while also connecting us other with other community organizations and resources.”

If you are interested in supporting the Lobo Pantry through a monetary or food donation, contact lobopantry@sulross.edu or 432-837-8596.