The 12th Can Celebrates Continued Partnership with Amazon in Combating Student Hunger
Student-run food pantry receives combined $10,000 donation from Amazon to help students in need.
Brie Pampell, Texas A&M Division of Marketing & Communications-Student Affairs
From left to right: Kate Sherhart '24, Seth Downs '24, Shelby Wright '24, Amazon Representative, Erin Stokes '24
Division of Student Affairs
The 12th Can, a student-run food pantry at Texas A&M University, proudly celebrates the continuation of a vital partnership with Amazon, marked by a combined donation of $10,000 in funds and food supplies. This generous support is particularly timely, as The 12th Can has reported serving 3,862 clients in 2023, with 537 individuals served in October alone.
Since opening in 2013, The 12th Can has distributed over 115,000 pounds of food, significantly impacting food insecurity within the Aggie community. Amazon's renewed support reaffirms the shared commitment to eliminating hunger on campus and raising awareness about food insecurity within the Aggie Community.
Shelby Wright, 12th Can president for this year explained, “We are beyond thankful for Amazon and this partnership! The monetary, food, and hygiene donations will be instrumental in meeting the demand that the holiday season brings. With meal plans coming to an end as well as all other holiday expenses, this donation will allow us to provide for our clients! We expect these donations to last us well into next semester, and it will be a huge help for us not only financially, but by providing products that our clients love to see. Thank you, again, for helping us combat food insecurity on our campus!”
The 12th Can's mission is ambitious yet clear: to eradicate hunger at Texas A&M and demonstrate the power of the Aggie spirit in promoting community welfare. With the cost of food rising and economic challenges mounting, the importance of sustained support from partners like Amazon becomes ever more crucial. The incoming contributions are poised to enhance resources crucially as the year draws to a close, ensuring a strong finish and a robust start to 2024.
Operating independently of university funding, The 12th Can depends on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and fundraising efforts. The impact of donations is profound, with every $20 providing up to 35 meals—clear evidence of the effectiveness of the partnership with Amazon and the collective commitment to a hunger-free campus.
Donations to support The 12th Can’s mission can be made through Reagan Chessher ’96, senior director of development, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 979-458-1689. Online contributions are also welcome at The 12th Can Operating Fund, and food donations are highly appreciated, including items like pasta, canned proteins, fruits, and dry milk.
With heartfelt gratitude, The 12th Can and Texas A&M University extend their thanks to Amazon for their steadfast partnership, which is fundamental to maintaining the welfare and academic success of students.