Grambling State News

Grambling State noted as first HBCU to partner with Whataburger, Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana

GRAMBLING, La. – Jan. 27, 2021 – Whataburger and Grambling State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today celebrating the grand opening of the new Tiger Resource Room Powered by Whataburger. The student-operated resource room will help provide food, supplies, and other necessities, to help students succeed on their college journey.

The resource room was made possible through Whataburger’s partnership with Grambling State University and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana and is the first of its kind with an HBCU (Historically Black College, University). The room is stocked with perishable and non-perishable food items including canned goods and dairy products, along with toiletries and other everyday needs. There will also be Whataburger-branded school supplies such as backpacks and pens, bottled water, hand sanitizer, and other items.

“It’s been really inspiring to see students and faculty from Grambling come together to help provide essential resources for their fellow Tigers,” said Charles Benjamin, Whataburger Area Manager. “No student should ever have to choose between food and books, and we’re glad to do our part by helping stock the Tiger Resource Room with everyday supplies students need.”

“Grambling State University is committed to doing everything we can to help our students achieve success, and we’re grateful to our community partners like Whataburger and the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana who are helping make this a reality for us,” said Rick Gallot, Grambling State University President. “Being able to serve every need our students have is our top priority.”

“It’s been an honor to work on this project with fellow classmates and university administration,” said Steven Wilson, Grambling State University Student Liaison. “Knowing that the resource room is stocked with essentials students often need, I’m excited to welcome our Grambling Family to this on-campus resource.”

Representatives from Whataburger, Grambling State University, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, students, and other community partners will be in attendance.

About Whataburger
Whataburger has served up its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it. Newsweek ranked Whataburger second on its 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service brands in the Fast Food category. Visit whataburger.com for more information.

The Tiger Resource Room Powered by Whataburger is part of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program, a corporate-wide community relations initiative that supports students of all education levels through school resource rooms, scholarships, and community involvement. The Grambling State University resource room is the second to open with others planned in the future.

About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901 that combines the academic strengths of a major university with the benefits of a small college. This combination enables students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. The 590-acre campus offers 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. A member of the University of Louisiana System, Grambling State University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. With a longstanding tradition of excellence, Grambling State University continues to emphasize the value and importance of each student, exemplified by our motto: Where Everybody Is Somebody.