FORT WORTH, Texas — The Purple Pantry location at Tarleton State’s Fort Worth campus has officially earned Ready to Nourish™ Market certification through the Tarrant Area Food Bank, making it the first university in Texas to receive the designation while expanding access to fresh, high-quality food and additional community resources for students.
“We are honored to receive the Ready to Nourish™ designation,” said Dr. Diana Ortega, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success. “This recognition reflects Tarleton State University’s commitment to student well-being and success by ensuring students have access to the resources they need to thrive. The Purple Pantry plays a vital role in supporting students and helping them achieve their educational goals.”
The Ready to Nourish™ initiative is Tarrant Area Food Bank’s comprehensive, nutrition-focused program designed to reduce nutrition insecurity through education, access to healthy foods, and community partnerships. The program brings organizations together to identify community health needs, implement evidence-based interventions and improve long-term health outcomes.
“Student success begins with meeting the basic needs of our students,” said Isabel Talamantes, Student Resources and Basic Needs Manager for the Division of Student Engagement and Success at Tarleton State. “As the first university in Texas to earn this certification, Tarleton State continues to lead with purpose, ensuring our Texans are supported, nourished and empowered to succeed.”
As a Ready to Nourish Certified Market, the Purple Pantry in Fort Worth will expand support for Tarleton State students by providing greater access to nutritious food options, nutrition education, and community resources.
“We are proud to recognize Tarleton State University as the first university in Texas to earn Ready to Nourish™ Market certification,” said Julie Butner, President and CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank. “This achievement reflects Tarleton’s commitment to student success by expanding access to nutritious food, nutrition education, and supportive resources that equip students to thrive academically, build lifelong healthy habits, and reach their full potential. ”
The partnership strengthens a unified network focused on improving student well-being, reducing food insecurity and ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Additionally, the Purple Pantry in Fort Worth recently implemented the Supporting Wellness at Pantries (SWAP) nutrition ranking system. Signage and educational materials on recipes and how to identify nutrition information have also been added to the space. This system helps pantry guests make informed food selections while encouraging balanced, nutritious eating habits.
The Purple Pantry in Fort Worth, located in the Campus Administration Building, offers frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable foods, personal care products, academic supplies, baby and toddler food, and diapers.
To learn more about The Purple Pantry, visit tarleton.edu/purplepantry/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.