Free meals, student discounts offer savings around Stephenville

By Hannah Brooks
Marketing Director

Balancing the cost of tuition, textbooks, rent and everyday expenses is part of college life.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for students in Stephenville to lighten the financial burden of food and groceries.

From local restaurants offering student discounts to organizations providing free meals throughout the week, students have several opportunities to save money. Tarleton State University also offers resources to help students facing food insecurity and other financial challenges.

The following guide highlights free weekly meal opportunities in Stephenville, discounts available at local businesses and resources offered through Tarleton. Students should be prepared to show a valid student ID when requesting discounts.

Local student discounts

Jake & Dorothy's Cafe
$2 burgers on Tuesdays.

Hard Eight BBQ 

Students receive 15% off on Thursdays.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Students receive 10% off on Thursdays.

Poseidon Hibachi and Sushi
Students receive 15% off. The discount does not apply to happy hour specials or the lunch menu.

Tea2Go
Students receive 10% off.

Red Umbrella Bakery
Students receive 10% off.

Yogurt Delicious
Students receive 10% off.

Cold Smoke Coffee
Students receive 10% off.

Pattaya Thai Kitchen
Students receive 15% off.

Purple Tractor
Students and alumni receive 10% off with a valid ID. The student-operated store sells meat and other products.

HTeaO
From 2-4 p.m. daily, customers can purchase one tea and receive another of the same size or smaller for free.

Free meals around Stephenville

Several local churches and campus ministries offer free meals throughout the week. These opportunities can help students stretch their budgets while providing a chance to connect with others in the community.

MONDAY

Tarleton State Wesley Foundation — Free lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Cowboy Church of Erath County — Free home-cooked dinner at 7 p.m.

TUESDAY

Tarleton State Wesley Foundation — Free dinner at 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Baptist Student Ministry — Free home-cooked lunch at noon. Local churches work together to provide meals for Tarleton students, faculty and staff.

Valley Grove Baptist Church — Free dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Rocky Point Baptist Church — Free dinner from 5-6 p.m.

THURSDAY

St. Luke's Episcopal Church — Free lunch for Tarleton students and faculty from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While these meals have been offered consistently, students are encouraged to confirm schedules and availability with each organization before attending. Meal times and offerings may change throughout the semester.

Although many of these meals are hosted by churches or faith-based organizations, students are welcome to attend regardless of religious affiliation. No religious participation is required to receive a meal.

Tarleton food and basic needs resources

Free meals and restaurant discounts are not the only resources available to students.

Tarleton's Student Resources & Basic Needs office connects students with assistance for food, emergency financial needs, transportation, housing and other challenges that can make it difficult to remain enrolled in college.

The office is located in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center, Suite 212.

Students seeking assistance can complete the Student Resources & Basic Needs Referral/Application Form. A case manager will then follow up to discuss available resources and determine what assistance may be appropriate.

Purple Pantry

The Purple Pantry is a free, on-campus resource available to Tarleton State students.

Located on the lower level of the Thompson Student Center, the pantry provides food, hygiene products and school supplies at no cost.

Students can access the pantry through an exterior entrance on the east side of the Thompson Student Center, adjacent to the amphitheater.

To use the pantry, students must complete a pantry access request form. Once approved, they can enter by swiping their Tarleton student ID.

The pantry provides an additional option for students who may struggle to afford groceries or other basic necessities between paychecks or financial aid disbursements.

More than food

Student Resources & Basic Needs also assists students facing challenges beyond food insecurity.

Depending on individual circumstances, resources may be available for emergency financial assistance, transportation, housing, academic materials and child care.

According to the university, emergency financial assistance is limited to currently enrolled students experiencing unexpected and urgent financial circumstances.

Eligible students may receive assistance once per academic year, with a lifetime limit of two awards.

Students should allow three to four weeks for the full review and processing of an emergency assistance request.

For more information, students can contact Student Resources & Basic Needs by email at [email protected], by phone at 254-968-9080 or by submitting the referral/application form through the department's website.

Other ways to save

Students can also stretch their food budgets by taking advantage of restaurant loyalty programs and mobile apps.

Many national restaurant chains offer rotating mobile coupons, app-exclusive deals, sign-up promotions and rewards points that can eventually be redeemed for free food.

Sonic, McAlister's Deli and Jimmy John's are among the chains offering promotions through their apps and rewards programs.

Students should check individual apps for current deals, as promotions and availability can change frequently.

Whether it's grabbing a free lunch between classes, taking advantage of a student discount or visiting the Purple Pantry, there are opportunities throughout Stephenville to make college life a little more affordable.

For students balancing tuition, rent and other expenses, even small savings can make a difference.

Know of an opportunity we missed? Share it in the comments below.