12th Can Pantry Openings This Week

The 12^th Can, a student-run effort at Texas A&M University to eliminate hunger within the campus community, has openings March 31 and April 1 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Suite 119 of the Mail Services Building, located at 330 Agronomy Road.

The food pantry, which was created in 2013, encourages any current student, staff or faculty member at Texas A&M experiencing food insecurity to use its services.

The organization has also partnered with 12^th Man Technology to host a competition among the student organizations to collect non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped off at the 12^th Man Technology Center, located on the lower level of the Memorial Student Center, through April 5.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, the pantry is offering pre-packaged bags of food.

“In an effort to ensure the safety of both clients and volunteers, The 12^th Can Food Pantry will be transitioning to a contactless method with pre-packaged bags to those who need them,” said Allison Le, a nutrition sophomore and the non-profit’s public relations director. “There will be signs in the pantry to enforce social distancing as well as help clients through the procedures for receiving food.”

Requirements for the food pantry can be found on its website. Visitors are required to wear face coverings, in accordance with university guidelines, and present a valid Texas A&M ID card.

“We are in need of canned goods and non-perishable food items,” Le said. “Our goal has always been to help feed people in the campus community. There is no need for an Aggie to go hungry.”

Le said additional pantry openings are scheduled for April 14-15.

Since 2013, The 12^th Can has helped provided more than 4,500 Aggies with more than 300,000 pounds of food.

Those who can’t make it to the pantry are encouraged to contact the Brazos Valley Food Bank for additional help.