Local University Student Relys on Food Pantry to Make Ends Meet.
For Pablo Martinez, life as a single father of two is a constant balancing act. Between childcare, classes, and everyday expenses, money quickly dries up. That's why the Houston resident relies on the Cougar Cupboard, a food pantry at the University of Houston that provides essential groceries to students in need.
The pantry, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, offers fresh produce and staple items, taking one less worry off Martinez's plate. "The Houston Food Bank is helping my family and I relieve some of that stress that a lot of families feel," he shared his sentiments.
In an effort to help those struggling with hunger, ABC13 has been running its Share Your Holidays food drive for 45 years. Initially conceived as a one-hour TV segment, the initiative has evolved into a city-wide event that brings in millions of cans of food each year since its inception in 1980. As the need continues to grow, there are various ways individuals can contribute.
To make a difference, viewers can simply text "SYH2025" to 71777 or visit the dedicated fundraising page online. Every donation counts in providing vital support for local families like Martinez's, ensuring they have access to basic necessities despite financial constraints.
For Pablo Martinez, life as a single father of two is a constant balancing act. Between childcare, classes, and everyday expenses, money quickly dries up. That's why the Houston resident relies on the Cougar Cupboard, a food pantry at the University of Houston that provides essential groceries to students in need.
The pantry, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, offers fresh produce and staple items, taking one less worry off Martinez's plate. "The Houston Food Bank is helping my family and I relieve some of that stress that a lot of families feel," he shared his sentiments.
In an effort to help those struggling with hunger, ABC13 has been running its Share Your Holidays food drive for 45 years. Initially conceived as a one-hour TV segment, the initiative has evolved into a city-wide event that brings in millions of cans of food each year since its inception in 1980. As the need continues to grow, there are various ways individuals can contribute.
To make a difference, viewers can simply text "SYH2025" to 71777 or visit the dedicated fundraising page online. Every donation counts in providing vital support for local families like Martinez's, ensuring they have access to basic necessities despite financial constraints.
& the university student orginallly comin from a place of privilege now has 2 rely on a food pantry 4 survival it's not just about food, its about dignity & respect 4 every human being
this is crazy I remember when ABC13 started that Share Your Holidays thing back in '80 and it was just a small TV segment 
but now it's a whole city-wide event and they're collecting millions of cans of food each year 
and the Houston Food Bank is doing some amazing work with the Cougar Cupboard too, I mean who knew universities had food pantries for students struggling to make ends meet? 
as a student myself back in the day (I'm talking '90s/'00s), I never thought about how I'd be able to afford groceries sometimes but it's nice to see that the community is coming together to help those in need 
we should definitely be supporting our local food banks and initiatives like this, they're making a real difference 
and it made me think about how food pantries are actually kinda awesome 
i mean don't get me wrong life is hard for single dads like Pablo but sometimes you gotta take a break from worrying about rent/mortgage/experiences 
and just enjoy the little things... like fresh avocado toast 
I'm so frustrated that we still have students relying on food pantries in this day and age. It's heartbreaking to think that a university student has to worry about where their next meal is coming from 
. The Cougar Cupboard does amazing work, but it can't fill the void of economic instability many families face. We need more support systems in place to help people like Pablo Martinez, who just wants to give his kids a better life without stressing about food on the table 
. I'm happy to donate and spread awareness about the Share Your Holidays initiative - every little bit counts! 
The Cougar Cupboard is literally a lifesaver 4 people like Pablo, who are just tryna make ends meet while raisin their little ones. Its heartwarming 2 see ppl from all walks of life comin together 2 make a difference 
. Plus, the Share Your Holidays food drive has been goin on 4 ages & its clear that it's makin a real impact 
. Every single donation counts, no matter how small it may seem 
. Let's keep spreadin the love & support for these amazing initiatives 
!
. But seriously, I'm glad there are organizations like the Houston Food Bank and Cougar Cupboard helping out students who are struggling to make ends meet. It's crazy how one person can become a single dad, it's like, where do you even start? 
Meanwhile, I'm over here trying to pay my Netflix subscription on time 
.
. But we need more systemic changes to address the root causes of food insecurity in our community. Let's work together to create a more supportive system for everyone! 
this is just heartbreaking... I mean, think about it, a single dad trying to balance everything and yet he has to rely on a food pantry because life is just too tough 
. The Cougar Cupboard and Houston Food Bank are doing a great job, but more support is needed, like ABC13's Share Your Holidays initiative 
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. It's awesome that ABC13 is still bringing attention to this important issue every year. We can all make a difference, even if it's just by texting "SYH2025" 
or donating online 
. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for helping those in need, but let's not forget there's usually more to it than meets the eye.