UHD, Houston Food Bank Providing School Supplies, Food to K-12 Students Jan. 27
By Mike Emery
Despite the pandemic, the University of Houston-Downtown Community is undeterred from its mission of community service. This week, UHD’s Gators will come together (from a safe distance and wearing masks) to support the nearby Near Northside community.
With support from longtime collaborator the Houston Food Bank (HFB), UHD is participating in the Backpack Buddy Program this week. The HFB initiative serves Houston-area K-12 students by providing food, school supplies and hygiene packs.
On Jan. 27, the University will host a Backpack Buddy Pop-up Shop from 3 to 6 p.m. in UHD’s Daly Street Parking Lot. Volunteers are still needed for this event.
Faculty, staff and students will distribute items to students and their families. This is a drive-thru event. Those arriving to pick up items will be required to check-in and sign required forms before pulling up to different stations that will distribute various items to help ensure a healthy return to school.
This event complements previous collaborations with the Houston Food Bank that have supported its own students through recent Health and Food Fairs. Additionally, the Houston Food Bank supports the University’s Food for Change Program Market, which provides groceries for all of its students.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
