By Veronica Salinas

The South Texas College (STC) Mid-Valley Campus is taking action to support students facing food insecurity through a new $20 gift card drive, led by Social Work faculty member Noel Ysasi, Philosophy faculty member Debby Hutchins, Ph.D., and the STC Social Work Club.

The initiative began in response to the recent government shutdown, which temporarily delayed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans.

Although benefits have since resumed, STC faculty recognized a deeper need, especially with the holidays approaching and have chosen to continue the effort.

So far, approximately 20 gift cards have been collected and are being donated directly to the STC Student Food Pantry. The gift cards being accepted are from H-E-B, Walmart and Target, which gives students the flexibility to purchase the groceries and essentials they need the most.

Hutchins, who first proposed the idea, said the need became clear as she learned more about the impact of the SNAP delay.

“I started hearing more and more about the SNAP benefits being cancelled and started thinking about how that would affect the Rio Grande Valley in general and our students in particular who depend on those,” she said. “We know this might not solve the problem completely, but it will narrow the gap between what they’re able to get and what they need. Especially over the holidays.”

She added that rising food prices continue to strain families, making even basic groceries increasingly difficult to afford.

“Food prices are soaring, even I feel the squeeze,” she said. “Think about how much worse it is if you have very little to get groceries with to feed your family and yourself while you’re trying to go to school. With the holidays coming up we decided to keep it going because there is still a need and we want our students to know that we are here for them.”

The effort aligns closely with Mid-Valley Campus’s mission of supporting student wellness. As the only campus with a Child Development Center, the campus serves many student-parents who juggle school, work and childcare responsibilities. For these students, stable access to food directly impacts their children, financial stability and ability to stay enrolled.

"We hope that these gift cards will help some of the most vulnerable members of our community: the children,” Hutchins said. “Many of our students are parents trying to build a better future for their family. As the only campus with a child development center, we welcome the opportunity and the responsibility to help provide for our next generation of students." 

Ysasi, who is also the Social Work Club Advisor, said the club was eager to support the initiative.

“Dr. Hutchins’ proposal really touched us, and the club and I immediately knew we wanted to take this on,” he said. “So many of our students are carrying heavy burdens, and we wanted to do something that could ease that weight, even just a little. We chose the $20 amount because it’s small enough for most people to give, but big enough to make a real difference. Our Social Work Club has been out there every day, collecting these gift cards for students who truly need them.”

For students like Diamaris Martinez, a Business Administration major, the impact is immediate and personal. Martinez received a gift card and says it has helped ease the burden during a challenging time.

“It helps relieve financial strain,” she said. “I recently broke my arm, and I am paying off my medical debt. I also got a car and only work part time. With the food pantry and these gift cards, I don’t have to worry about where my next meal is going to come from on top of everything else I’m going through.”

She also encouraged other students to seek help when they need it, reminding them that no one should carry their struggles alone.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you really need it,” she said. “There are so many resources here and people who genuinely want to support you. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a step towards taking care of yourself.”

The gift card drive will continue throughout the holiday season. Those wishing to contribute can donate $20 H-E-B, Walmart or Target gift cards to Mid-Valley Student Activities & Wellness Coordinator Tyrone Marshall in room F149.

For more information on STC’s Student Food Pantry, visit: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/life/food-pantry.html.

 

 

 

Photo Caption: Student Diamaris Martinez utilizing the STC Student Food Pantry.