Editor’s Note: This story was written by students in COMM 2311.001 News Writing on the Levelland campus. Together, students came up with questions and interviewed D’Liesa Burleson at the Health and Wellness Center. They then chose the quotes and wrote the article individually. Together, the class chose the best quotes and transitions for the article seen here. The students in COMM 2311 include: Audrey Tyson, Brittlee Brock, Zacarias Molina, Chloe Jones, Charlotte Baldi, Audrey Villarreal, Tye Ward, Daisy Aguirre and Denver Atkins.
Photos of the Texan Food Pantry on the Levelland campus were taken by students in COMM 1316 News Photography and photos of the food pantry at the Lubbock Downtown Center were taken by students in COMM 2311.601 News Writing. Their names are on the photos.
South Plains College helps students achieve their dreams through education—but some students have a harder time than others simply based on their personal needs. Hunger does not discriminate, and SPC recognizes that every student deserves a chance to overcome personal challenges.
The Texan Food Pantry, located in the Health and Wellness Center on the Levelland campus, is available to all SPC students who might need a little help getting by.
D’Liesa Burleson said the food pantry moved to the Health and Wellness Center in 2022, and since then the need is evident in the number of students who regularly visit the office to receive food assistance.
Prior to 2022, the food pantry was located in the kinesiology building and then in student life. D’Liesa Burleson, administrative assistant to the director of health and wellness, said that this move made sense in that health and wellness already provides resources for students.
“The minute it got over here, I think the most [students] I had in one month was 78,” Burleson said. “There is a need, there is a big need when students move in.”
When the Health and Wellness Center inherited the food pantry, they were told to expect three or four students a month. However, in the fall 2022 semester alone, 220 people took advantage of the food pantry. For the spring 2024 semester, 173 people utilized the food pantry.
Burleson explained that at the beginning of the year and around the holidays are the highest times of need. Students who can’t go home or don’t start the year off with much can take advantage of the food pantry.
“We’re kind of a jumpstart,” Burleson said.
The food pantry isn’t limited to just students, employees can also fill out an application. Students who are not on meal plans are allowed access to the food pantry twice a month, while students who are on meal plans can access it once a month. Individuals can go online to fill out the application, or in person at the Health and Wellness Center. The application can also be customized to meet individual needs.
“It’s a long process, but we do it because that’s what we do here,” Burleson said. “We help our students.”
Because of the rising need, there’s not only a food pantry at the SPC Levelland campus but also one at the Lubbock Downtown Center. Many students lack transportation, so having that extra location can make all the difference for those students.
“It’s a lot easier on the students, because they already have the stress of I need food, where am I going to get food,” Burleson said.
Donations make the food pantry possible and make a difference in the lives of students and others who utilize the food pantry. Some faculty members even offer students extra credit for bringing donations to the food pantry. Anyone interested in donating can do so at either location. They accept food items, personal hygiene products, and even cash or check donations.
“I am thankful we have an SPC family that notices and sees that this is a problem, that hunger is a problem,” Burleson said. “They are selfless to donate and to help, and I am just thankful for that.”
Dee Dee Ninemire, director at the SPC Physical Education Complex, initially came up with the idea for the food pantry after noticing many students were left without resources upon coming to SPC. She said a small committee was formed and all felt it was necessary to provide something for these students who were without help.
“We were blown away at how well it was received and the number of people we have served since its inception,” Ninemire said.
Students are typically worried about an upcoming test, exam or assignment, but hopefully with the help of the food pantry, don’t have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from.
“It might not solve the next month of problems but it’s going to solve the problem today,” Burleson said.
The food pantry helps students take some stress off their plate, and it has brought a community together with the help and support from students, faculty and staff. The food pantry will continue to bridge the gap for those in need, so long as that need exists.
For more information, reach out to D’Liesa Burleson through email at dburleson@southplainscollege.edu, or go by the Health and Wellness Center on the Levelland campus. Their hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To fill out an application, go online to southplainscollege.edu under Student Services, Health and Wellness, and click Texan Food Pantry.
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