Kroger provides generous support to Maverick Pantry
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a helping hand from The Kroger Co. to aid students facing food insecurity.
Kroger is supporting UTA students with a five-year, $250,000 commitment to the UTA Maverick Pantry presented by Kroger. The gift will help with ongoing operational costs, such as expenses for products, staffing, programming and outreach. The gift is part of the grocery chain’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment, an initiative that seeks to create communities free from hunger and waste by 2025.
“This generous commitment from Kroger will help the Maverick Pantry keep its commitment to maintaining equitable access to food and essential items so all members of the University can thrive academically, personally and professionally,” said Jennifer Cowley, UTA president. “Our primary focus is always to support our students.”
The pantry opened with a soft launch in fall 2021. After additional renovations and furnishings, the UTA Maverick Pantry presented by Kroger is now fully operational. It includes services aimed at food insecurity; provisions such as baby food, formula and diapers for student parents; discounted cap and gown rental for commencement; and a professional development closet with work-appropriate attire for students going to interviews.
“Kroger is proud to support The University of Texas at Arlington through our five-year commitment to the Maverick Pantry. Ending food insecurity in the communities we serve is the cornerstone of Kroger's Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative and through long-term partnerships like this, we know we can make a significant impact,” said Keith Shoemaker, Kroger Dallas Division president. "At Kroger, we aim to ‘Feed the Human Spirit’ and through this donation, we hope UTA students will never have to worry about their next meal—and can continue to focus on their studies and excel as our future leaders.”
“When Mavericks walk through the doors of UTA’s pantry, we want them to feel heard, seen and recognized,” said Jessica Sanchez, director of UTA’s Student Advocacy Services. “Our goal is to feed student success by operating an inclusive pantry that offers holistic support services.”
Students who are experiencing food insecurity can utilize the Maverick Pantry presented by Kroger from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food and essentials are free of cost with a MAV ID and open to all UTA students, faculty and staff who are experiencing need. To-go bags of groceries are available via email request.
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About The Kroger Co.
Kroger Dallas Division operates 109 retail stores. Our more than 14,000 division associates are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™, serving the region through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
About The University of Texas at Arlington
With more than 48,000 students, The University of Texas at Arlington is the fourth-largest institution in Texas and one of 141 universities nationwide to receive the R-1: Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activity designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. In 2021, UTA received the Texas Tier One designation reserved for the state’s top institutions for academic and research excellence. The University has 18 National Academy of Inventors fellows, tied for the most out of institutions in Texas. UTA ranks No. 1 nationally in the Military Times annual “Best for Vets: Colleges” list, is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and has approximately 250,000 alumni making an impact across Texas and beyond.