Nine individuals smile in an aisle stocked with food

Former Nutrition students (Spring 2025 Graduates!) Gabby Rivera-Vega and Ryann Orcutt both serve in involved leadership roles with The 12th Can, Texas A&M’s student-run food pantry dedicated to fighting food insecurity on campus. As Donations Director and Outreach Director, respectively, the pair recently helped lead the pantry through a highly successful SEC Food Fight, raising over $2,000 and collecting more than 12,000 pounds of food, 544 pounds and over $800 of which came directly from the Department of Nutrition.

Ryann Orcutt smiles wearing a graduation stole and holding a graduation cap

Ryann’s interest in Nutrition grew from her own health journey, learning the power of nutrition through personal experience and later deepening that passion by working in wellness spaces during high school. Once she discovered dietetics, she knew she had found the perfect career to combine her passion for healthy living and helping others. Ryann joined the 12th Can knowing it was the perfect way to make a difference on campus. "After learning more about the organization and its mission to fight food insecurity within Texas A&M, I was inspired to get involved – and the rest is history!"

When asked about her favorite aspect of being involved with the 12th Can, Ryann explains how rewarding giving back to fellow students and staff has been professionally and personally. "Food insecurity affects more people at Texas A&M than many realize, and it breaks my heart to know that so many in our community are stressed about where their next meal will come from." Ryann is grateful for the chance to witness firsthand the impact of the 12th Can.

Gabby Rivera-Vega smiles wearing a graduation stole and holding a graduation cap

Gabby’s passion for nutrition was sparked by her parents. They convinced her that nutrition was the perfect major to go along with her love of food. Gabby loves the versatility of food and nutrition and the way that it not only greaty affects health, but the role it plays in social gatherings and culture. Gabby was volunteering at food banks in high school and knew she wanted to continue in college. She found The 12th Can before her first semester at Texas A&M at NSC and never looked back. She has now been involved with the 12th Can for all four years of her college journey.

When Gabby reflects on her favorite parts of her experience with the 12th Can, she discusses their uniqueness as a food pantry, and the direct impact the 12th Can makes. She noted that compared to a lot of food pantries, the 12th Can is uniquely entirely student run and no one is paid. Everyone is there as a volunteer, working to support the local community and their fellow aggies.

Their efforts don’t stop with food donations. The pantry has grown rapidly, expanding from one freezer to four fridges and three freezers and recently opening a Hygiene Room stocked with household, baby, and allergen-friendly items. The organization also partners with Brazos Valley Food Bank, H-E-B, Rosenthal Meat Center, TUFU, and Howdy Urban Farms to better serve the campus community.

Ryann is headed to Texas Woman’s University to pursue her Master’s in Exercise and Sports Nutrition and complete her dietetic internship, with an eye toward private practice or weight management. Gabby will begin her Master’s in Human Nutrition at Texas State this summer, with plans to become a Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatrics or reproductive health.

For those interested in getting involved, Gabby emphasizes education and action: Know what food insecurity really means, and spread the word. Host a drive, donate items, or support us online—there are so many ways to make an impact.

To learn more or donate, visit 12thcan.tamu.edu.

Department of Nutrition

The Department of Nutrition at Texas A&M University is committed to providing students with an exceptional education that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to excel as leaders in nutrition, health, and food systems. Our students receive a comprehensive, science-driven education that prepares them for careers in healthcare, clinical nutrition, research, public health, and more.

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