In less than a year, a mobile food distribution service by the Roadrunner Pantry has become an established and vital resource for UT San Antonio students facing food insecurity.
Since March, the monthly program has served about 672 households, reaching between 49 and 144 households per event.
The mobile food distribution program provides fresh produce, nonperishables and other essentials directly to students via the San Antonio Food Bank. The goal is to help students reach their full academic and personal potential by providing access to healthy and nutritious foods.
Launched in March 2025, the program was established through a donation from San Antonio businessman and philanthropist Harvey Najim.
Distributions are supported through a longstanding partnership with the food bank and by university staff and student volunteers.
Several student organizations have provided volunteers, including the service organization VOICES, the Student Involvement Center and the Najim Center for Innovation & Career Advancement. Individual UT San Antonio students also have stepped in to help.
Donations expand capacity
The Roadrunner Pantry and mobile food distribution project receives funding from various sources.
In October, significant support for the pantry came from the annual fundraising challenge, Huddle Against Hunger, and during last year’s Giving Day, in April 2025, donors also contributed over $10,000 to strengthen food security initiatives across campus.
The funds help to expand the pantry’s capacity to offer fresh food options in addition to pantry staples.
Year of growth and what’s ahead
The mobile distribution program was created to meet the growing need for accessible food resources among students.
With increasing participation and strong community partnerships, the program is already planning next year’s mobile distributions.
Alongside mobile distributions, the UT San Antonio Roadrunner Pantry and Whataburger Resource Room continue to offer services year-round, including:
- Free pantry shopping at Main and Downtown campus pantry locations
- Lunch kits available at more than 20 pickup sites across campuses
- Meal Share, a program that allows students to access donated meal swipes
- Order Ahead grocery pick-up via RowdyLink
The Main Campus Roadrunner Pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Downtown Campus Whataburger Resource Room is open Monday through Thursday from 1–4 p.m.
For more information or to volunteer, send an email to [email protected] or visit RowdyLink.
