Texas Woman’s University and Kroger Celebrate Minerva’s Market Partnership

Oct. 22, 2026 — DENTON — Texas Woman’s University and Kroger gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 21 on the first floor of Brackenridge Hall for a special check presentation and partnership acknowledgement, celebrating Kroger’s support of Minerva’s Market, TWU’s on-campus food pantry.

University leaders, Kroger representatives and students came together to recognize the vital collaboration and tour the redesigned space, which offers a welcoming, retail-style environment that feels like a neighborhood market rather than a traditional pantry. 

To mark Texas Woman’s University’s 125th anniversary, Kroger donated $125,000 to Minerva’s Market. The partnership directly aligns with Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan, an initiative focused on ending hunger and eliminating waste across local communities.

“Partnership for us is people, and it doesn’t just stop at investment,” said Rudy DiPietro, president of Kroger’s Texas division. Addressing the audience, he explained that managing product is core to Kroger’s operations, and while the grocer strives to sell as much product as possible, there is always some leftover. “Our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste strategy, operationally, is how we divert that product to get it into the right hands, and this is a great example of the right hands.” 

Minerva’s Market plays a critical role in tackling campus food insecurity. Last year alone, the market recorded more than 4,000 visits and distributed nearly 22,000 pounds of food. Additionally, TWU students who run the market contributed more than 443 volunteer hours, exemplifying how Pioneers support each other. 

“We want our students to have the education to pursue meaningful work, the wellbeing to enjoy their lives and the confidence to shape their own futures,” said TWU Chancellor Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.” And sometimes, the most useful thing we can do for a student’s education is help her stop worrying about dinner.”

As part of Wednesday’s event, attendees donated canned goods to stock the shelves and toured the facility to see firsthand how Kroger’s support directly impacts TWU students and their families. 

“By partnering with TWU, Kroger is bringing national commitment directly to our campus, ensuring our students have reliable access to fresh, nutritious food so they can focus on their education,” said Amy O’Keefe, executive director of CARE at TWU.

Supported by Kroger, Minerva’s Market helps break down barriers to higher education by ensuring no student has to choose between buying textbooks and buying groceries. The market layout allows students to browse fresh produce, shelf-stable staples, and essential hygiene products with dignity and independence.

For more information about the pantry or how to support campus basic-needs initiatives, visit twu.edu/care.

Page last updated 4:14 PM, October 22, 2026