In 2018, we participated in our first Trellis Foundation Survey, which highlighted our students’ basic needs insecurities, including food insecurity. As a response to student needs, OC decided to begin our OC Cares initiative by opening our Wrangler Food Pantry in the fall of 2019. We are proud to be a partner of The West Texas Food Bank, who helps us fill our pantry with food that feeds our students and their families.
Because our pantry space is limited, we cannot hold large amounts of produce and fresh options. In order to be more sustainable and offer fresh and organic produce on a more consistent basis, we decided to build a garden. This innovative project will not only feed our families, it will provide countless learning and partnership opportunities.
Our garden is approximately 200 square feet. West Texas has an extended growing season, so we are hopeful to grow around 10 months out of the year. We have also installed a rain water harvesting system, that will collect and provide the garden valuable water.
Odessa College is proud to present the Atmos Energy Pantry Gardens as an innovative, fresh and organic partnership with Atmos Energy to address food insecurity on our campus in our community. Students should not be hungry. Thank you Atmos Energy and the Robert W. Best Foundation for Atmos Energy for partnering with the College to plan, build and officially open the Atmos Energy Pantry Gardens at Odessa College. Together we are fueling safe and thriving communities.
Student Support Services staff and OC volunteers maintain the garden.
