Hawkins, TX – Jarvis Christian College celebrated the grand opening of its student food pantry with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 11, 2021 Brookshire Grocery Company donated $5,000 in gift cards to stock the pantry.
The Company also generously donated 100- $50 gift cards to the College to distribute to students facing food in-securities and a $25,000 scholarship endowment as part of their “Focus on the Future” scholarship program.
The pantry is located in the Ronald Hay Building and will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m.to 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Students expressed their desire for a food pantry during a meeting initiated by the College’s Administrators to determine how to enhance campus life.
“We understand that food in-security is a real issue and we are very grateful to Brookshire Grocery Company for providing the funds to make this food pantry a reality for our students,” said Dr. Lester C. Newman, President, Jarvis Christian College. “We also appreciate the $25,000 scholarship endowment that will decrease the financial burden of our students so that they may continue to pursue their academic goals. We are delighted to have Mr. Joe Stephens, District Vice President of Brookshire Grocery Company, here with us to represent the company during this grand opening.”
With the help of Brookshire Grocery Company, the Office of Institutional Advancement, the Office of Student Services, and Jarvis Christian College’s Circle K International Chapter, the food pantry was organized and fully-stocked with a variety of items that are available to students free of charge.
“We are very excited to launch the “Focus on the Future” program which will help thousands of students achieve their dreams for years to come,” said Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO for Brookshire Grocery Company. “We support our local communities and value education which is one of our top philanthropic efforts. So many families and individuals have been financially impacted by the pandemic. We are proud to be able to help those aspiring towards their dreams.”
The food pantry is a small example of how the College identifies with the needs of its student body. “The food pantry is a good addition to the campus, because we have a place to obtain food without having to leave campus,” said Elysia Gordon, a freshman at Jarvis. “The Administration has definitely responded to our request.”
In addition to Mr. Stephens, the grand opening was attended by members of the local community, faculty, staff, and students.
“As I walked around and looked at the food pantry, I was in awe,” said Mr. Stephens. “The partnership that Brookshire Grocery Company has with the College is awesome and this is something we want to keep on for years to come. We just want the town of Hawkins and Jarvis Christian College to know that Brookshire Grocery Company is here to continue to serve them.”
