Starting a new semester brings excitement, opportunity, and new challenges. But for some students at Austin Community College (ACC), the cost of tuition, housing, transportation, and other expenses means that putting food on the table isn’t always guaranteed.
That’s why ACC is expanding its Riverbat Bites food pantries, bringing more locations online so students across Central Texas have greater access to nutritious meals.
“Food insecurity at ACC isn’t just one particular type of student, it’s all students,” says Vanessa Barrientos, Food Access Manager at ACC. “Some students stop by just to supplement for the week. Others may have lost a job and need extra support to get through a tough time.”
Currently, ACC operates pantries at its Highland and Riverside campuses, with several additional locations already open and more on the horizon. Each pantry is open two to three days a week and receives regular deliveries of fresh produce and shelf-stable groceries from the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB).
“Partnering with the Central Texas Food Bank has made it possible to expand to more campuses,” says Barrientos. “It’s been a seamless process — food is transported easily, communication is clear, and now we can work toward adding refrigerated items and fresh produce to more locations.”
The phased approach ensures ACC can meet students’ needs sustainably, collecting data, learning from each location, and scaling up to eventually serve all campuses.
Beyond filling shelves, this expansion reflects ACC’s commitment to a holistic approach, supporting students not just academically, but in every aspect of their well-being.
“What gives me hope is seeing people pay attention to the needs of our students, not just their academics, but their basic needs,” says Barrientos. “Life happens, and we want students to have the resources they need to create better futures for themselves, their families, and future generations.”
Campus Pantry Partnerships Across Central Texas
ACC is one of several colleges and universities partnering with CTFB to make nutritious meals accessible to students. Current campus pantry partners include:
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St. Edward’s University
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Austin Community College – Highland
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Austin Community College – Riverside
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Concordia University
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University of Texas at Austin – Mexican American and Latino Studies Pantry
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University of Texas at Austin – Outpost Pantry
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Huston-Tillotson University
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Texas State University – Round Rock
These partnerships help ensure that students across the region have the food they need to stay focused, healthy, and on track toward graduation. Visit ACC's website for ACC Riverbat Bites pantry information.
