El Paso Community College (EPCC) is taking a hands‑on approach to the nation‑wide Hunger Action Month campaign by bringing mobile food pantries directly to its campuses. The effort, organized with the nonprofit El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, aims to ease food insecurity for students, faculty, staff and the broader El Paso community.
Schedule and locations
The mobile pantry will operate every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with occasional alternate times noted on flyers. The following dates and sites are confirmed through the end of November:
- Northwest Campus, Parking Lot A: October 13 (10:00 a.m.–Noon) and November 17 (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)
- Mission Del Paso Campus, Horseshoe: September 15 and October 20 (both 10:00 a.m.–Noon)
- Valle Verde Campus, Parking Lot L (Drive‑Thru): September 22 and October 27 (both 10:00 a.m.–Noon)
- Transmountain Campus, Parking Lot B (Drive‑Thru): September 29, October 6, and November 3 (all 10:00 a.m.–Noon)
- Rio Grande Campus, Parking Lot C: November 10 (10:00 a.m.–Noon)
Residents are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags or wagons, and supplies will be available while stocks last.
Tejano Mercado pop‑ups
In addition to the mobile pantry, EPCC will host Tejano Mercado pop‑up events at each pantry location throughout September. These pop‑ups feature locally sourced foods and cultural items, providing a taste of the region’s heritage while addressing hunger.
Later in the month, EPCC will open a permanent Tejano Mercado at the Mission Del Paso Campus. The market will serve students, faculty and staff on an ongoing basis, reinforcing the college’s commitment to long‑term food security.
Community impact
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, a local nonprofit dedicated to eradicating hunger, will staff the pantries and coordinate donations. The partnership reflects a broader trend of colleges stepping up to support vulnerable populations, especially as rising living costs strain many families.
EPCC Dean of Student Affairs Nadia Rivas highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Our goal is to ensure that no student has to choose between a meal and a textbook. By bringing food directly to campus, we remove a major barrier to academic success and strengthen our community’s fabric.”
How to get involved
Community members who wish to contribute can donate non‑perishable items, fresh produce, or monetary gifts to the pantry. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those who want to help with distribution, set‑up or outreach.
For the latest schedule, locations and donation information, visit EPCC’s website or follow the college’s social‑media channels.
Looking ahead
While Hunger Action Month concludes in October, EPCC and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger plan to continue the mobile pantry service through November and explore additional permanent food‑access solutions on campus. The initiative underscores the power of faith‑based and community partnerships in addressing a pressing social issue while upholding traditional family values and individual liberty.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
