Islanders Asked to ‘Spread the Love’ During February Food Drive
Islanders Asked to ‘Spread the Love’ During February Food Drive
If a student wants to remain active on campus and alert in class that means meeting high-energy dietary needs. Izzy’s Food Pantry at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is ready to help hungry students meet those needs by hosting a “Spread the Love” food drive with a focus on collecting peanut butter and jelly during the month of February. Peanut butter and jelly, along with any other non-perishable foods, can be dropped off at donation bins located at the University Center Information Desk and at the Dugan Wellness Center. FMI: foodpantry.tamucc.edu
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – If a student wants to remain active on campus and alert in class that means meeting high-energy dietary needs. Izzy’s Food Pantry at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is ready to help hungry students meet those needs by hosting a “Spread the Love” food drive with a focus on collecting peanut butter and jelly during the month of February. Peanut butter and jelly, along with any other non-perishable foods, can be dropped off at donation bins located at the University Center Information Desk and at the Dugan Wellness Center.
“Peanut butter and jelly are hot commodities at Izzy’s Food Pantry. As soon as they hit our shelves, students are taking them off,” said Lisa Perez, Ed.D., assistant vice president for Student Life at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
What makes peanut butter so popular? According to Marcie Garza, campus dietician at A&M-Corpus Christi, peanut butter is a well-balanced food choice thanks to its proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates. It’s also inexpensive, tasty and accommodates a variety of dietary lifestyles. Garza encourages the campus community to also consider donating peanut butter alternatives like almond butter or sunflower seed butter for those who are allergic to peanuts.
When choosing a partner for peanut butter, Garza recommends a spread of fruit preserves. When compared to jelly, fruit preserves have a lot more nutrients, fibers, vitamins and minerals. Garza also suggests donating low sugar products to help those with diabetes.
“Efforts to minimize and reduce hunger in the college setting can really set our students up for success, both academically and long-term,” said Garza.
If a student is in need, even in a temporary crisis situation, they are encouraged to visit Izzy’s Food Pantry, located in the University Center, room 204. Enrolled students can receive 10 non-perishable food items once a week at no charge. To begin this process, students need to fill out a federal application form available at the food pantry.
Izzy’s Food Pantry is a joint initiative by A&M-Corpus Christi’s Student Engagement and Success and the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Providing Islander students with a convenient site to obtain food assistance when needed helps ensure that students who are food insecure are able to meet their nutritional needs and minimize adverse impacts on their academic progress and success.
