TWU student draws cookbook inspiration from campus food pantry

In the pursuit of success in college, students rely on various factors such as hard work, dedication, and often overlooked: access to food.

Alexandra Mack, a student studying nutrition and food science at Texas Woman’s University (TWU), noticed a significant number of students facing food insecurity on campus. Motivated to address this issue, she began collaborating with Minerva’s Market, the on-campus food pantry located in Hubbard Hall Student Union.

Drawing inspiration from the items commonly found on the pantry’s shelves, Mack authored two cookbooks: “Dorm Friendly Cooking” and “Apartment Friendly Cooking.” These cookbooks aim to provide practical cooking solutions for students with limited resources, often restricted to a microwave for cooking and constrained budgets.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by food-insecure students, Mack emphasized the importance of understanding their experiences before creating these resources.

According to a recent federal report, approximately 23% of college undergraduate students experience food insecurity, highlighting the prevalence of this issue. Amy O’Keefe, Executive Director of CARE at TWU, which oversees Minerva’s Market, emphasized the significance of visible spaces like the food pantry in raising awareness about college student hunger.

Donations from organizations like the Tarrant Area Food Bank and food drives play a crucial role in keeping the pantry stocked and accessible to students in need. O’Keefe stressed that addressing hunger is essential for students to focus on their academic pursuits effectively.

Mack further highlighted the financial constraints that often hinder students from maintaining a healthy diet, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing this challenge.

Overall, initiatives like Minerva’s Market and Mack’s cookbooks strive to alleviate food insecurity among college students and promote a conducive environment for academic success.