Stanislaus State’s Warrior Food Pantry kicked off the 2025 fall semester with fuller shelves for students thanks to a community celebration at Save Mart’s Geer Road store in Turlock.
During the grocery store’s grand reopening on Wednesday, Aug. 20, Turlock Police and Fire Department teams faced off in a fast-paced “Battle of the Bags,” racing to fill grocery bags with items that were donated directly to the Warrior Food Pantry.
Save Mart capped off the friendly competition with a gift of $1,606 and $1,000 in gift cards, bringing the total donation to $2,606.
The Warrior Food Pantry, part of Stan State’s Basic Needs program, provides free perishable and nonperishable food and toiletries to Warriors who need a little extra support. Enrolled students can receive up to 10 items per week. The University has two pantry locations: one in the Student Services Building on the Turlock campus and the other at the Stockton Campus in the Acacia Court Building.
“This generous gift from Save Mart strengthens our ability to support students’ food security by keeping the Warrior Food Pantry shelves stocked with nutritious options,” said Basic Needs Director Heather Pearson Villeda. “This allows students to focus on their education without the added stress of hunger. Community partnerships like this demonstrate true leadership and show that our region is deeply invested in student success.”
University representatives joined Turlock Mayor and Stan State alumna Amy Bublak, Save Mart President Jim Perkins, local leaders and a lively crowd — complete with the Turlock Hornets Youth Cheer squad — to encourage the competitors and celebrate the community’s generosity.
Stan State students will also benefit beyond the day’s event, as Save Mart offers a 10% student discount year-round and will soon join Associated Students, Inc.’s Warrior Discounter program.
“Thanks to Save Mart’s generosity, the Warrior Food Pantry continues to nourish student success, one grocery bag at a time,” Pearson Villeda said. “This support helps us start the fall semester with added resources and stronger support for our Warriors.”
