For many students, Valdar’s Market is more than just a place to receive food assistance, it’s a lifeline. 

“I was hesitant to sign up at first because I didn’t want anyone to judge me at what felt like the lowest, but all that went away when I walked in”, says Victoria Blanco, a student and full-time single mom to a little boy with special needs. 

According to Feeding Texas, 1 in 6 Texans experience food insecurity, and that reality extends to college campuses, where 38% of students at two-year colleges struggle to access enough food. Hunger isn’t something that happens in other places. It’s something that affects real people, even classmates. 

The Coastal Bend Food Bank works across 11 counties to fight hunger and promote wellness through food distribution and nutrition education. At Del Mar College, that mission is shaped through Valdar’s Market, the student food pantry, a CBFB partner food pantry located at all three campuses. Last year, Valdar’s Market served 3,601 students, providing essentials food and healthy options like fresh produce. 

“For me, Valdar’s Market has been more than a helping hand. The staff was kind, understanding, and helpful. For a change I was able to pick out items for myself, since most of my grocery money goes toward my son’s ‘safe foods,’” said Blanco. “My advice to anyone struggling is this, never be afraid to ask for help. Valdar’s Market is here for you, and the staff is amazing.”

 Her experience is a reminder that hunger isn’t always visible, but resources are available, and no student should feel alone. 

Every September, Feeding America leads Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity and to inspire individuals to take action in their communities. With 47 million people in the U.S. facing food insecurity, including 13 million children, the campaign reminds us that hunger doesn’t have one face. 

Hunger Action Month is more than awareness, it’s also about action. Even one small step, like donating a couple of cans of food or volunteering for a few hours, can make a lasting impact. 

This September, Vikings can take action  to fight hunger by: 

• Volunteering at a local pantry like Valdar’s Market or the Coastal Bend Food Bank

• Hosting a food drive to support Valdar’s Market 

• Donating nonperishable food or even $1, which can provide four meals 

• Advocating by wearing orange to support and bring awareness to Hunger Action Month

• Supporting fellow Vikings by normalizing the resources of Valdar’s Market and reminding them it’s okay to ask for a helping hand. 

For more information on eligibility to Valdar’s Market, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Retention at 361-698-1277 or email foodpantry@delmar.edu

For information about resources available at the Coastal Bend Food Bank, contact 361-887-6291 or visit coastalbendfoodbank.org