Each year, the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) Print Wall Calendar is designed to inspire faculty to take a deep dive into higher education issues, and this year’s edition is no different. This year’s theme is “Empowering Students by Meeting Basic Needs” with each month in the calendar highlighting specific essential resources, showcasing how Austin Community College (ACC) and the surrounding community address twelve basic needs through:

  • Innovative curriculum integration
    • ACC faculty have addressed the basic needs of students within their instruction, from free sewing classes to mental health workshops.
  • Supportive campus resources
    • From food pantries to technology loans, ACC campuses are equipped with a variety of resources designed to directly support students’ daily needs.
  • Active community engagement
    • We collaborate with local organizations and initiatives to extend support beyond the campus, ensuring that our students have access to comprehensive services and opportunities within the wider community.

The goal of this calendar is to ensure faculty are informed about the essential resources available for students. We hope this will help create an educational environment where all students can succeed. For November, the basic need being highlighted is Food.

Food

We’re committed to ensuring every student has the tools they need for success. A big part of the efforts to relieve the strain that a lack of access to food can cause for many ACC students is done through the Agricultural Sciences department, Social Support Resources office, and Student Life’s Food Pantry. These offices and departments have been instrumental in alleviating food insecurity and ensuring students have access to nutritious food year-round.

Agricultural Sciences Department

“Fresh Produce is an essential part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, high costs and busy schedules often make fresh produce inaccessible to those who need it the most. We are proud to provide our students with organically grown fresh produce from the ACC Sustainable Student Farm located at the Elgin Campus. Students in our classes, as well as those who attend Volunteer Fridays, are given fresh produce from the farm as a thank you for their help. Come join us for Volunteer Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. every week and get yourself some fresh veggies!” – Savannah Rugg, Department Chair and Faculty, Agriculture

The ACC Sustainable Student Farm, located at the Elgin Campus, offers students and community members an opportunity to work hands-on in sustainable agriculture. Volunteer Fridays provide fresh produce to participants, giving back to those who help maintain the farm while teaching sustainable practices.

Social Support Resources

“The high cost of living and lack of affordable housing across Central Texas can cause many challenges for ACC students and employees. Student Affairs staff and leadership are working hard to increase access to nutritious nourishing food and they want the ACC community to know it is here for them. Take advantage of free groceries, community meals and public benefits like SNAP & WIC to help stretch tight budgets. Students often think they will be taking resources from someone who needs it more, but that is not the case. The Food Access links on the Social Support Resources hub provide real-time info on free Grocery Pick-Ups, the free food mart in Highland’s modern Student Care Center, SNAP & WiC info and a community food access calendar. Check out the Food Resources near Campus maps towards the bottom of each campus webpage and email SSRD@austincc.edu to receive regular reminders about timely essential resources including some exciting new food access initiatives.” – Paula McDermott, Director, Social Support Resources

The Social Support Resources team collaborates with community partners to offer regular grocery pick-ups and food distribution events at ACC. Through the Food Resource Calendar, students can easily access information on food availability both on campus and within the broader community. Initiatives like the College Food Access Riverside Pilot provide in-class deliveries and self-serve kiosks, reaching 700 families across ACC.

Student Life’s Food Pantry

“Every Student Life Lounge across the ACC District has a donation-based food pantry that is free of cost and available for all currently enrolled students to use. The purpose of the Student Life Food Pantry is to provide quick and essential food items to help students throughout their day. It is our belief that students can not focus on learning on an empty stomach. The Food Pantries provide short-term relief and access to more robust resources at ACC and the surrounding community.” – Student Life Food Pantry Team

Each Student Life Lounge offers access to a donation-based food pantry with a variety of shelf-stable and ready-to-eat items. Open to all currently enrolled ACC students, these pantries provide crucial support, ensuring students can meet their nutritional needs while on campus. The pantries operate Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Inventory may vary by campus, as these pantries rely on donations.

Want to help? Stop by Student Life on your campus to donate non-expired, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meals. Monetary donations are also welcome through the ACC Foundation donation site—simply select “Student Life Food Pantry” as your designation.

A Look at ACC’s Impact:

Adequate nutrition is essential for academic success and well-being. To combat food insecurity, ACC offers various resources, including free grocery pick-up points and dedicated food pantries on campuses. The Student Care Center at Highland Campus acts as a small grocery store for students, while the Radiology Department provides a specialized pantry and meal trains. Our Food Resource Calendar lists events throughout Central Texas, and we collaborate with providers for on-campus grocery pick-ups, distributing millions of pounds of food. These initiatives ensure students have access to nutritious food, supporting their well-being and academic success.

From October 2023 to August 2024, ACC’s food programs have made a profound impact:

  • 30,229 visits were made to the Student Care Center, with 172,919 pounds of food distributed.
  • Over 50% of ACC students report experiencing some level of food insecurity.
  • In total, over 700,000 pounds of food were distributed through campus and community efforts last year, benefiting students, employees, and community members.

Resources to Share With Your Students

Discussing and addressing these needs is essential for creating an educational environment where all students can succeed. By supporting these fundamental areas, we foster a culture of care and resilience, empowering students to focus on their goals without stress from unmet needs. This calendar aims to inform faculty about these resources, allowing them to share directly with students and address these needs in their instruction.

To learn more about all twelve of the basic needs highlighted in the TLED Calendar, visit the TLED Print Wall Calendar webpage and explore more essential resources.

ACC is committed to supporting every student’s basic needs. We are more than an educational institution —we are a community that cares, supports, and grows together.

“Every Need. Every Student. Every Day.”

Forgot to request a calendar? No worries! Additional calendars and sticker packs are available for pick-up at all ACC campus libraries and Teaching & Learning Centers (TLCs).