Phi Theta Kappa partners with local businesswoman to fight student hunger
After the meeting, Haynes contacted Kim Knape, owner of Uvalde School of Gymnastics (USG), who has held food drives in the fall and donated to local food pantries over the last several years.
“Mrs. Knape was surprised to learn of the college food pantry and did not hesitate to commit to a donation.”
Knape collected and donated approximately 200 non-perishable food items to the SWTJC Food Pantry at the Uvalde campus on Nov. 3.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the food pantry saw supplies dwindle due to a lack of donations, mainly because of no students living at or commuting to campus.
With more students living on campus, food insecurities have reemerged. The task being tackled by the members of the Eta Beta Chapter is to replenish the shelves with food and supplies for students in need.
“Receiving the donation from Knape is a great start to getting the food pantry back on track,” said Haynes. “My hope is that SWTJC will continue to see donations being made to our student food pantry at a consistent basis in order to meet the needs of students.”
According to Dr. Randa Schell, SWTJC Chief of Staff and Phi Theta Kappa – Eta Beta Chapter Advisor, chapter members are working on getting the red donation buckets around campus. Additionally, they are working with the college business office to set up a process for monetary donations to the food pantry.
Since being established in 2017 by the Eta Beta Chapter, the food pantry has expanded to campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Crystal City under the supervision of the student success services department.
For eligibility requirements and hours of operation, contact Ana Lisa Conde at (830) 591-4152 or analisamartinez@swtjc.edu.