Today@Sam Article

SHSU Food Pantry Receives $100,000 Grant To Tackle Food Insecurity And Promote Health In The Huntsville Community

Dec. 20, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

The Food Pantry at Sam Houston State University is excited to announce that it has received a generous $100,000 grant from the Houston-based Powell Foundation to help fight food insecurity, improve health outcomes and promote health equity throughout the region.

“We are deeply grateful to the Powell Foundation for empowering us to expand our outreach and impact within the Bearkat and Huntsville community,” said Kathleen Gilbert, director of the SHSU Food Pantry. “This grant enhances awareness and supports college and community food security initiatives. With nearly a quarter of Walker County families living below the poverty line and over half of SHSU students facing food or housing insecurity, this funding is vital to bridging gaps and fostering health equity. Together, we are making significant strides toward eradicating food insecurity and building a healthier, more resilient community.”

Over the next two years, the grant will help the SHSU Food Pantry expand its reach to ensure that everyone, from students to local families, have access to healthy, culturally relevant food. The funding will support several key initiatives, including operating a food pantry at a local high school, providing additional services for families in the Walker County Head Start program and strengthening emergency food preparedness. The SHSU Food Pantry will also partner with local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County to extend food access to even more community members in need.

In addition, an annual donation of $15,000 will go toward supporting SHSU’s on-campus pantry, helping ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. This initiative is about more than just providing food—it focuses on long-term solutions, including community involvement, nutrition education and creating economic development opportunities that will build a healthier, more resilient community.

This new grant builds on the Powell Foundation's previous support. Since 2021, the foundation has awarded $150,000 to the food pantry, which helped create a mobile pantry, restock the pantry, provide funds for the Huntsville ISD partnership and improve the community garden.

"The Powell Foundation is pleased to continue its support of the Sam Houston State University’s Food Pantry,” said Eleisha Nelson-Reed, executive director of the Powell Foundation. "The pantry has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to alleviating hunger within Walker County. Its ability to establish partnerships with local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, Huntsville ISD, Greater East Texas Community Action Program and Sustain Huntsville, will continue to inform community-based solutions, improve coordination and maximize resources to eliminate hunger in the Huntsville community.”

The Powell Foundation is a Houston-based family foundation focused on improving the lives of residents in Harris, Travis and Walker County. The foundation seeks to foster community well-being by empowering children, families and individuals with the support and skills necessary to thrive.

With this new funding, the SHSU Food Pantry is ready to continue its mission of addressing food insecurity and improving health outcomes for all in the Huntsville community.

To learn more about how you can help the SHSU Food Pantry, visit their website or follow them on social media.

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