SHSU Food Pantry and Aramark Team Up Against Food Waste

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student volunteer at the food pantry — The new collaboration is designed to ensure that when there is excess food from campus dining or catered events, it doesn’t go to waste. Instead, these meals provide students with nutritious options.

Sustainability in Action: SHSU Food Pantry and Aramark Team Up Against Food Waste

The partnership between Aramark Dining Services and the Sam Houston State University Food Pantry is setting the stage for a more sustainable and supportive campus. The joint effort repurposes surplus food from catered events and dining operations into ready-to-go meals for Bearkats in need—turning potential waste into a meaningful resource.

The collaboration, which launched this fall, is designed to ensure that when there is excess food from campus dining or catered events, it doesn’t go to waste. Instead, Aramark staff safely portion, label and freeze meals that meet strict food-handling standards before delivering them to the SHSU Food Pantry. Once distributed, these meals provide students with convenient, nutritious options that can be heated and enjoyed at home.

“When food is tossed out, it makes you think twice about students battling food insecurities,” said Rozlynn Kieschnick, executive director of SHSU Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. “SHSU wanted to make a change and challenged Aramark to make a plan for leftovers. Our partnership with Aramark has been a long-standing success, and I’m excited to see this form into action, ensuring food is safely monitored and stored instead of being tossed out. Distribution through the Food Pantry is a natural fit, and we look forward to serving our amazing students.”

To support the effort, a new freezer has been installed at the Food Pantry specifically for the recovered meals. While meal availability will depend on when surplus food is generated—such as after large catered events or dining operations—the system ensures SHSU is ready to respond quickly and responsibly when opportunities arise.

The partnership between Aramark and the SHSU Food Pantry has been on-going for several years according to Brad Blackburn

“Each year, we provide meals for programs such as Wipe Out Hunger and Meals for Vets. These donated meals are just another example of how Aramark can address the need for those facing food insecurity,” Blackburn said. “Every donated meal is a step towards a more sustainable and compassionate campus.”

The SHSU Food Pantry continues to provide essential support to students experiencing food insecurity while offering opportunities for education, volunteerism and community engagement. Under the direction of Kathleen Gilbert and operated by work-study students, Dietetic Interns and volunteers, the pantry mission aligns perfectly with this new effort to make every meal and every opportunity count.