At Texas A&M University, ensuring our students have access to food is one of our top priorities. College students are among the most at risk for food insecurity during their time at school. Food insecurity is defined as having limited access or uncertain adequate food. Below are options students can explore for assistance.
The 12th Can | 12thcan.tamu.edu | 330 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX 77843
The 12th Can food pantry at Texas A&M is entirely student-led and dedicated to assisting Aggie students, staff, and faculty in need. Since its opening in November 2013, it has been serving the Aggie community for over a decade. The mission of the 12th Can is to combat hunger at Texas A&M, raise awareness about food insecurity in college settings, and exemplify the strength of the Aggie spirit.
Affiliated with the Brazos Valley Food Bank as a program partner, the 12th Can operates under the Student Government Association. It is open twice a month, and the next opening is November 6-7, 2024. The signup is posted the Friday before each opening, which can be found on their website. They also accept walk-ins, and they will receive a pre-packaged bag.
Pocket Pantry | studentlife.tamu.edu/support/food-resources/ | Various Locations
The Pocket Pantry program allows students on the Texas A&M campus to have temporary relief from food insecurity. They provide non-perishable food and other goods, and help the students get in contact with additional help. There are currently 29 locations on campus in academic and administration buildings.
Brazos Valley Food Bank | www.bvfb.org | 1501 Independence Ave, Bryan, TX 77803
The Brazos Valley Food Bank helps to provide food to those in need all over the Bryan/College Station area. The vision of the food bank to have a hunger-free Brazos Valley. They are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on every weekday, and they are closed on weekends.
For more information, visit www.bvfb.org/find-food, which lists other resources as well. It shows when each food resource is open, and how long it will be available.
Swipe Out Hunger
Swipe Out Hunger is a program that allows students to donate their unused meal swipes to students in need at the end of each semester. These swipes can be used at any on-campus dining hall. Students can complete the Swipe Out Hunger Form to get the aid they need. Students can get up to 3 swipes, and can only receive them once they are completely out of their own meal swipes.
Texas A&M University is committed to addressing food insecurity among its students through various initiatives and partnerships. Programs like The 12th Can, Pocket Pantry, Brazos Valley Food Bank, and Swipe Out Hunger provide essential resources and support to ensure that no student goes hungry. If your student or a student you know is experiencing food insecurity please direct them towards these resources or visiting a staff member in Student Life.
