(ROSENBERG, Texas) – It was an exciting day in the history of Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus as the Food Market had its grand opening on Tuesday, February 25. The on-campus market is a collaborative effort between TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) and the Houston Food Bank.
Larissa Moreno, the ARC lead, said the market was an important step in helping students overcome barriers to their education.
“We want our students to be able to come in (to TSTC) and focus on their studies,” Moreno said. “This market was an answer to what we could do to create a sustainable solution for our students.”
The market has been in the works for a long time. Prior to it, there was a small pantry available to students in need. But Moreno wanted to help more students overcome any food insecurities they might have. That is where the Houston Food Bank stepped in.
Over the course of a year, a plan was developed and put into motion to transform the pantry into the market it is now. During the interim the food bank would send its Healthy Market Trailer regularly to the campus in order to fill the need.
Daianna Rhodes, the economic partnerships liaison for the Houston Food Bank, gave a speech at the opening thanking all those who supported the food market during its conception.
“I’m honored and filled with joy to support the TSTC community,” Rhodes said.
The food bank contributes the majority of the market’s food and supplies, including meat, fruit, vegetables, hygiene products and everything in between. This is done through the Houston Food Bank’s Food for Change food scholarship initiative.
Good feelings were prevalent throughout the event as the thought of all the students that the Food Market will benefit warmed hearts.
“I’m feeling very proud of the TSTC community, support and donors who have stepped in,” Moreno said. “The partnership with the food bank is a dream come true.”
The ARC is designed to assist students with nonacademic barriers and help them to get back on the path toward graduation. Its services are available at all of TSTC’s campuses.
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.
