Harris Teeter to Partner with Howard University to Combat Food Insecurity

By Kimberly Iverson

  Howard University announced today a partnership with Harris Teeter to support the University’s hunger relief efforts. The supermarket chain has committed to donate $50,000, payable over five years.

The donation will help stock and replenish shelves at Howard University’s food pantry, The Store@HU.

“This generous gift highlights the strength of our partnership and is appreciated,” said Vice-President of Student Affairs Cynthia Evers, Ed.D. “In a land of abundance, there are those who are not able to enjoy said abundance; this gift helps address the needs of our students and affords them the opportunity to be nourished physically and emotionally.”

Howard launched The Store@HU in 2018. Increasingly, food insecurity on college campuses is a growing issue. The College and University Food Bank Alliance estimates that 30% of college students in the U.S. are food insecure. Since last June, Howard’s pantry has served more than 300 students. The University’s goal is to reduce short-term food insecurity among its student body, thus supporting educational success and retention. The Store@HU is available to all currently registered students.

“We realize that many people in our communities struggle with food insecurity, including college students,” said Paige Pauroso, communication specialist for Harris Teeter. “That’s why our partnership with Howard University pantry programs is so important. We want to ensure students have access to fresh and nutritious food, so they can concentrate on their education and well-being. We’re thrilled to call Howard University our partners in putting an end to food-insecurity.”

The commitment is part of a greater one from Harris Teeter to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The company is also partnering with Johnson C. Smith University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Norfolk State University.