(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College, the TSTC Staff Senate and the Pizzeria in Harlingen are joining forces to help its low-income students that may face family or financial hardships.

On November 2, TSTC students, faculty and staff; and the Harlingen community are invited to visit the Pizzeria between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. to purchase a large pepperoni pizza for $10. All proceeds from this event will go to support Charlie’s Pantry, TSTC’s free food pantry for students in housing.

“We have basically run out of food, we rely on donations to supply our pantry,” said Director of Housing Amy Garza. “Charlie’s Pantry is a great way to offer our student residents some food while they get back on their feet.”

Many students depend on financial aid to assist with their tuition, fees and rent. Normally, this means there is no extra money available for food or other necessities. Garza said she typically assists 10-15 residents or families a semester with items from the pantry.

“Many of our residents don’t have parents or family to depend on. Or some have families of their own to support,” said Garza. “No matter the situation many are mostly on their own. This is why we are grateful to TSTC Staff Senate and Pizzeria’s support and help with this cause.”

Sharon Farias, TSTC Provost Office executive assistant and Staff Senate president, said this fundraiser is supplementing their annual canned food drive.

Now in its third year, Staff Senate’s canned food drive runs through December 2. There will be donation boxes campus-wide. Additionally, with the money raised, Staff Senate hopes to not only supply canned food and other non-perishable items, but also microwavable food so students can enjoy hot meals.

“We want our students to have more meal options,” said Farias. “Many students go without eating because they don’t have the funds, but we want to help change that. And depending on the amount raised we also want to help our other campus pantry located in the Student Center.”

For TSTC science instructor and Pizzeria co-owner Dr. Emmanuel Formacio-Serna, joining this cause is also about helping students succeed and get a good paying job so they do not have to face this type of adversity again.

“Being hungry affects everything,” said Formacio. “It affects your health and your ability to concentrate in class. These students are our future and it’s sad to see that many of them go without access to food.”

As an instructor for the past 15 years, Formacio has seen firsthand the effect hunger has on his students. He and his brothers made a pact before opening the Pizzeria that they would give back to their communities the best they could, so when he was approached with this opportunity, he says it was only natural for him to say yes.

“For many of our students living here on campus, this is the first time they have a steady place to live. This is the first time they don’t have to worry about their electricity or water being shut off,” said Formacio. “So I don’t think they should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reports that food insecurity has become a problem because of rising tuition costs and an increase in the number of college students from low-income families.

According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, at least 14 colleges in Texas and hundreds across the country have opened food pantries to help support students through college.

For more information on the fundraiser or to donate to the student food pantry call 956-364-4023.