The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is hosting a Winter Food Drive from November 5 to 12 to help stock the Husker Pantry. The goal is to collect 3,500 food items for students facing food insecurity.
Kenji Madison, director of the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center and the Husker Pantry, emphasized the importance of this drive. “As we approach the holiday season, pantry use typically increases by 15 to 20 percent,” he noted. This drive is a crucial effort to support students during this busy time.
Since the start of the semester, the pantry has assisted 874 households and distributed over 16,500 items to students and their families. Madison explained, “We don’t just want to match what we give out; we need a steady flow of donations to continue helping our students in need.”
The pantry specifically needs canned goods like soups, beans, and vegetables, as well as personal hygiene products like toothpaste and deodorant. While cash donations are welcome, physical items are particularly valuable.
There are several ways to contribute: drop-off donations at collection bins around campus, give financially, or purchase items from the pantry’s Amazon Wish List. More information is available at this link.
Madison highlighted that the need for support goes beyond the food drive. “The demand is significant, and we all share the responsibility of ensuring our students have what they need.”
According to a recent survey by Feeding America, approximately 1 in 6 college students faces food insecurity. This statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the Husker Pantry. The pantry is more than just a resource; it’s a community effort to ensure students can focus on their education without worrying about their basic needs.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers various support services to help students thrive. For more information, check out Student Advocacy and Support.
In summary, the Winter Food Drive is a chance for the university community to come together and help those in need. Every dollar and every can makes a difference for students struggling with food insecurity.
