A seat at the table: Aggies leading service through The 12th Can
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students support efforts to fight hunger and strengthen community
The dinner table is where relationships are formed, stories are shared and community is strengthened. Breaking bread with loved ones is a way to celebrate not only special occasions, but the steady rhythm of daily life.
These moments highlight the beauty of coming together while also reminding us not all our neighbors have a table to gather around or plentiful food to share.
The 12th Can, a student-operated food pantry at Texas A&M University, welcomes all who are seeking a seat at the table and a meal to enjoy.
The organization is supported by student volunteers who dedicate their time to providing food to those in need. This year, three students in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences serve on The 12th Can executive team.
Each brings different perspectives, inspirations and passions to the team, and is united by a shared mission to eliminate hunger and demonstrate the power of the Aggie spirit.
For these three Aggies in particular, that mission also includes creating for others the same uplifting community they’ve experienced in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Alejandra Cozajay ’26: Giving the support she once received
Alejandra Cozajay ’26, a first-generation Aggie in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, serves as logistics director for The 12th Can. She began volunteering with the pantry and applied for the executive team shortly after.
Cozajay is driven by a desire to provide comfort and support to people in the Bryan-College Station community — the same comfort and support she once received.
“My family came to the United States when I was about six months old, and we depended on services like food pantries for a while,” Cozajay said. “Not a lot of people talk about it, but those resources are so important.”
As the logistics director, she is responsible for receiving and processing donations, managing relationships with donors and handling the food pantry’s composting. She also spends time interacting face-to-face with clients at the pantry.
“Greeting our clients warmly and asking about their day means so much to them,” Cozajay said. “It’s really special that we get to create a space of belonging and support for them. We want them to know they’re never alone.”
Maggie DeLaCerda ’26: Embracing a life of service
Maggie DeLaCerda ’26 is a double major in the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications and serves as The 12th Can public relations director.
The 12th Can Statistics
- The pantry serves current students, faculty and staff.
- About 550 students are served each month.
- In 2025, the pantry supported 4,773 households and 1,307 unique clients.
DeLaCerda grew up in production agriculture. Her goal is to educate the public on the necessity of the agricultural industry and how it connects directly to food access, food security and community health.
She got involved with The 12th Can because the people around her “poured support” into her from a young age, and she wanted to give the same gift to others.
“I’ve always had a passion for fighting food insecurity,” DeLaCerda said. “I used to volunteer at food banks with my mom, and it broke my heart that some people didn’t have food on their table. I wanted to be part of the solution.”
As public relations director, DeLaCerda doesn’t just interact with volunteers and donors — she connects with the pantry’s clients. Using skills she’s learned from her classes in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, DeLaCerda uses a variety of communication channels to ensure clients know when the pantry is open and what supplies are available.
“Being involved with The 12th Can is the best decision I could’ve made,” DeLaCerda said. “It’s reignited my passion for being involved in service after college. I recommend that everyone apply.”
Anahi Gallegos ’27: a passion for feeding the world
Anahi Gallegos ’27 is a first-generation student in the Department of Horticultural Sciences who intends to use her studies to encourage sustainable agriculture in urban settings, particularly through community garden initiatives. She serves as the operations director for the pantry, meaning she oversees the behind-the-scenes efforts and statistics for The 12th Can.
Gallegos’ interest in addressing food insecurity began in high school through her involvement in FFA.
“In high school, I did a project through FFA about fighting food insecurity in rural areas,” Gallegos said. “My chapter and I grew food in our greenhouse and marketed it to our community at much lower prices than they would find in grocery stores.”
That passion continued into college and sparked her desire to get involved with The 12th Can.
“I discovered The 12th Can my freshman year and realized it really aligned with my personal values and mission,” Gallegos said. “This organization is so unique because it offers all of us a tangible way to make a difference. The ability to make an impact is right in front of us – all of us.”
Why the community matters
Arriving at a university the size of Texas A&M can feel overwhelming, and finding a sense of belonging does not always come easily. For Cozajay, DeLaCerda and Gallegos, a thriving community took shape within the College.
Serving all students, faculty and staff
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, the 12th Can is here to help. “Pocket Pantries” are located around campus and can provide support.
That connection is what motivates these students to serve others through The 12th Can. The same care and encouragement they found within the College now shape how they approach food access and community support.
“Every person I’ve encountered in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is so friendly and welcoming,” Cozajay said. “It’s a very tight-knit community, and you can tell that people care about you.”
“The moment you get here, you walk into a new family,” DeLaCerda said. “Everyone wants to lift you up and help you succeed.”
“I was kind of nervous coming to such a large university, but as soon as I set foot on campus I felt right at home,” Gallegos said. “There’s a place for everybody in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the community is so special.”
Through The 12th Can, the values emphasized in the College take on a practical form centered on service, responsibility and care for others.
For Cozajay, DeLaCerda and Gallegos, giving back is not an abstract ideal but a reflection of the community that supported them. They’re making room at the table because room was once made for them.
