The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma are taking their longstanding sports rivalry to a new level with the Red River Food Fight. This initiative, organized by the two universities’ food pantries, aims to address food insecurity among students. Throughout September, students and community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to their respective food pantries to determine which campus can contribute the most.
The idea for the Red River Food Fight came from the OU Food Pantry, which reached out to UT Outpost and Student Government to collaborate on a food drive that would leverage the classic rivalry between the two schools. Student Government President Helen Getachew and Vice President William Ramirez eagerly accepted the proposal, seeing it as an opportunity to give back and raise awareness about the UT Outpost’s services.
The UT Outpost, a free resource for students, provides food items and professional clothing to those in need. The Red River Food Fight not only engages the competitive spirit between the two universities but also helps raise awareness about the support available to students through the UT Outpost.
Valeria Martin, Assistant Director for Basic Needs at the Office of the Dean of Students, emphasized the excitement of working with OU and the positive impact this initiative can have on addressing food insecurity among students.
According to the UT Outpost’s website, 37.7% of students experience some form of food insecurity. Getachew and Ramirez plan to revive the Food Insecurity Action Agency, initiated by the previous Student Government administration, to continue addressing food insecurity on campus.
Students can drop off food items at various locations around the UT campus, including the UT Outpost, Gregory Gym, and the Union, until the end of the month to support their respective universities in the Red River Food Fight. Regardless of the outcome, the focus is on making a positive impact on students facing food insecurity or financial hardship.
