Support That Matters: Lion Food Pantry and Lion Wardrobe Continue to Grow Their Impact

With increased traffic and new initiatives, the pantry and wardrobe are supporting students and removing barriers to success.

The Lion Food Pantry and Lion Wardrobe are two student-centered resources making a powerful difference in the lives of hundreds of students each week.

Located in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the main campus of East Texas A&M, the food pantry and wardrobe are open to all currently enrolled students. The resources help both feed students experiencing food insecurity and provide business or professional attire for free.

Housed under the Office of Student Advocacy and Support, both resources moved to the PAC in February 2024 following a renovation to the building's south wing.

“This location has been a game changer for us,” said Nikki Barnett, director of Student Advocacy and Support. “Before, we lacked even a loading dock. Now, we can receive food deliveries directly from the North Texas Food Bank, which greatly expands what we can offer to students.”

In the roughly year and a half since the move, the pantry and wardrobe have filled an even bigger role than before, and many students utilize these resources.

On average, between 160 and 200 students visit the food pantry each week, while approximately 10 to 20 students visit the Lion Wardrobe.

An innovative solution to food insecurity

The Lion Food was bolstered by a $30,000 donation through the O'Pry Family Match Challenge in 2024. The donation drive, along with alumni Freddy and Margaret “Muffy” O'Pry's matching donation, helped purchase food for students and cover the costs of storage, refrigerators, and general pantry upkeep.

The food pantry is innovative in that it allows freedom of choice. It operates on a “point” system, with food categories assigned point values. Students are credited a certain number of points per visit and are invited to browse the aisles as if they were grocery shopping. Since moving to the PAC, the pantry has also added non-food items, including sanitary and hygiene products.

One of the newer initiatives, of which Barnett is exceedingly proud, is “Swipe Out Hunger.” The initiative allows students on a university meal plan to donate up to three leftover meals from their meal plans each week. The donation provides a “meal swipe” to the food pantry. For each “swipe,” Sodexo Campus Dining Services donates a prepared, ready-to-heat frozen meal to the food pantry.

“This program has been so successful that we receive anywhere from 100 to 200 meals per week from Sodexo,” Barnett said. “This is truly special as it signifies students giving back to other students through their unused meal swipes.”

Helping students look sharp

The Lion Wardrobe, located down the hall, offers a free option for students who need professional attire for school events, job interviews and career fairs.

“We have suits, blazers, dresses, accessories and more to choose from,” Barnett said. “We also have a steamer onsite that is available for students to use on their own clothes even if they don't grab anything from the wardrobe.”

She says that while a comparatively smaller number of students visit the wardrobe each week, it is still providing a positive impact on students who utilize this resource.

Making a difference

With so many students utilizing these resources, their impact is unmistakable. Several students spoke about their reasons for using the food pantry.

“I am only working part time while attending school, so it is a struggle to cover rent, food and other expenses,” said an international student. “So, this has been really helpful for me. I come here every week.”

Another student, a music major, said that the food pantry helps them get through their busy weeks at school.

“I have a very busy schedule, so I can't work as many hours and I can't always get to the cafeteria when they're open,” they said. “Just being able to essentially go grocery shopping without having to spend a ton of money is so beneficial.”

Easy-to-access resources

For students, utilizing the food pantry is simple. Students sign up for a free account using PantrySoft and fill out an intake form each year. Then, they can access the pantry on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As for the wardrobe, students can email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

There are no qualifications for entry to either of these resources other than being a currently enrolled student.

Support today

There are numerous ways for people to support the pantry and wardrobe, either through donations or volunteering.

• Monetary donations can be sent to the pantry's foundation fund.
• Food donations can be dropped off at the pantry on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
• Items can be purchased from the food pantry's Amazon Wishlist.
• Clothing items can be donated by contacting the wardrobe and scheduling a drop-off time.

A student-centered goal

Barnett says that the main goal of these services is to eliminate factors–such as food insecurity or a lack of professional clothing–that could cause distractions or hinder students' chances of succeeding at East Texas A&M.

“With resources like these, students can stay focused on school instead of worrying about their meals or clothing,” Barnett said. “With any resource we provide in Student Advocacy and Support, we aim to be a ‘one-stop shop' for any student's needs.”

Learn more about the Office of Student Advocacy and Support at East Texas A&M.