Free food available for Alamo Colleges students, faculty and staff

Honor society and volunteers cooperate with food bank to offer goods.

By J. Almendarez

Published: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Updated: Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Food pantry file photo

File photo

The San Antonio Food Bank is delivering five to 10 pallets of food to this college's Phi Theta Kappa food pantry at noon Thursday at 602 W. French Place.

Students, faculty and staff in this district are eligible to receive food at the pantry from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at no cost.

Economics Professor Susan Spencer, who oversees the pantry's volunteers, said the food bank has never made a delivery to the pantry this large.

She said she negotiated with the food bank an affordable fee for the goods, making the event possible, however, she would not divulge the price because she said the Food Bank may offer different prices to various pantries or food banks in the city. "They've been very good to us," she said.

She said produce orders are typically donated and canned and frozen food are typically bought at a lower price from the Food Bank than at a grocery or wholesale store.

The delivery will cost $75, but she said it is worth the money because she hopes the event will increase awareness of the pantry year-round.

"We needed to make our presence better known," Spencer said.

The food bank moved from the Catholic Student Center at 312 W. Courtland to its current location during the summer.

She said those wanting to take advantage of the delivery must show their Alamo Colleges ID to receive donations and recommends that people bring their own bags.

She said the pantry has some donated bags available, but there is unlikely to be enough to accommodate all visitors.

Spencer said the pantry is a PTK-run service learning project created in March 2009 to give those in need access to food on a weekly basis.

She said the San Antonio Food Bank allows people to collect large donations on monthly intervals, but that policy might create a burden for people in this district who do not own vehicles and need access to the food bank on a more frequent basis.

She said the weekly visits also allow people to take advantage of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The pantry is open to Alamo Colleges students, faculty and staff with a district-issued ID — no questions asked.

The pantry does not turn away members of the community not affiliated with the district, but at the first visit are redirected to other food banks for subsequent needs.

The pantry is open from 1 pm.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

For more information about volunteering or donating to the pantry, email Spencer at SSPENCER@ALAMO.EDU or call 210-486-0431.

 

Comments

4 comments
Audrey Grams
Thu Feb 9 2012 15:48
Today, the St. Philip's Student Life Department generously donated 250 pounds of canned food and we thank them for their donation.
Audrey Grams
Fri Feb 3 2012 13:44
The special event has really increased the amount of students that have received services. 200 families came to the pantry this first week after our special event. Please continue to spead the word about the pantry to all students. Again, anyone that can make a donation or have a food drive through a club, we would really appreciate it. Our funds are dwendling so we do need some donations. Every dollar buys 7 pounds of food. We really count on those that are not in need to share a few bucks. We do give you a tax exempt form. If you still need one for 2011 taxes, we would be happy to take your donations. Again, write checks to the San Antonio Food Bank and write in the subject line "Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry". Also, like us on Facebook at Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry. Thanks!
Anonymous
Thu Feb 2 2012 11:32
It's great to publicize the good work at the food pantry. But photos of people receiving the free food is not such a good idea.
Audrey Grams
Thu Jan 26 2012 16:53
Just to be clear, the Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12-3 pm. This Thursday, we were open from 1-4 pm for this special event based on when the delivery could be negotiated. We welcome any Alamo College student, faculty, or staff member in need. We also welcome donations. Anyone wanting to write out a check can make it out to the San Antonio Food Bank and write Phi Theta Kappa Food Pantry in the subject line.
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