Pantry eases strain on students

The Mental Health and Wellness Committee at Texas A&M School of Dentistry opened a pocket pantry in fall 2023 to provide groceries and personal hygiene items to students in need.

Dr. Alicia Spence, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry and co-chair of the committee, said they opened the pantry after a few students came to her with specific needs.

“I think post-COVID we have more students who are taking care of family members than ever before, and we have had a couple of students who have told us they’re really struggling,” she said.

The pantry, in Room 145 of the Administration and Education Building, is open weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and students are welcome to take what they need.

To keep the pantry fully stocked, donations are needed. Please see the pantry’s Amazon Wish List to purchase specific items.

To make a donation to the Harrington Student Wellness Endowment, go to txamfoundation.com. To contribute directly to Wellness Wednesday events, email Dr. Spence at aspence@tamu.edu or Dr. Jana Burnett at jeburnett@tamu.edu.

This story originally appeared in the spring 2024 issue of Texas A&M Dentistry magazine.