As football season kicks off, so does a different kind of challenge. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 6, leading up to a matchup on the gridiron, The University of Texas at San Antonio will take on Texas State University in the second annual Huddle Against Hunger effort, a spirited fundraising competition aimed at tackling student food insecurity, one donation at a time.
The September timing coincides with Hunger Action Month, a national movement to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire action to end hunger, including on college campuses. Nearly half of college students surveyed in 2016 had limited access to nutritious meals in the month prior to the poll, according to one study.
At UTSA, the Roadrunner Pantry and Whataburger Resource Room serve as critical lifelines for students balancing academics with the rising cost of living. These student-run pantries provide free, nutritious groceries and essential personal care items, support that helps Roadrunners stay enrolled, focused and healthy.
“In this competition, we’re not just playing to win — we’re playing to make a difference,” said Karl Miller Lugo, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement at UTSA. “Every dollar raised helps fill our pantry shelves and support the growing number of students who depend on this resource. This is Roadrunner spirit in action.”
With demand growing and resources stretched, every gift made during Huddle Against Hunger helps ensure students have access to the food they need to thrive.
Compassion and community
Last year, the Roadrunner Pantry averaged 200 daily visitors, or more than 23,000 visits over the academic year. Demand is especially high among out-of-state students and others facing financial hardship. For some, the pantry is a primary source of food.
Thanks to the generous support of Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, a $25,000 prize pool is up for grabs. The school that rallies the highest number of unique donors during the challenge wins the top prize of $15,000 and the runner-up will receive $10,000.
If UTSA claims first place, the winnings could help provide more than 105,000 meals for students in need on our campuses.
“Huddle Against Hunger is about more than competition, it’s about compassion and community,” said Zachary Marcotte, UTSA’s program manager for student food pantries. “The pantries on the main and downtown campuses give Roadrunners facing food insecurity a place to shop for a variety of free food and other essentials. When students are stretched thin by rent, books, or unpredictable life events, your gift ensures they don’t have to worry about their next meal.”
Who will take top spot?
During the inaugural Huddle Against Hunger in 2024, the two universities raised more than $85,000 combined. UTSA rallied 942 donors, while Texas State took the top spot with 1,115 supporters.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate at HuddleHunger.com. Every gift helps, and every donor counts. Even $10 can make a big impact and bring UTSA closer to victory.
- Spread the word: Share the challenge with friends, classmates and fellow alumni. The more people who give, the more students we can help.
“Our students are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to choose between buying groceries and buying textbooks,” Miller Lugo said. “Let’s come together, beat Texas State, and make sure every Roadrunner has access to the basics they need to succeed.”
