The University Cavalier Food Pantry (CFP) is kicking off its SouperBowl of Caring donation drive. This series of events aims to tackle food insecurity among students.
Working with community partners like local businesses and organizations, the CFP is hosting activities to raise funds and engage more people. Events are taking place from January 28 to February 8, leading up to the Super Bowl. They include donation drives at Crozet Pizza during Trivia Night and a coffee cart by Joybrew. A documentary called “The Invisible Epidemic,” focusing on food insecurity in Virginia universities, will also premiere.
Since it started in 2018 through Student Council, the CFP has aimed to support students by providing free food and hygiene products. In 2020, Care and Support Services took over its management, guided by dedicated student leaders.
CFP’s main pantry, situated within Student Health and Wellness, is stocked with perishable and non-perishable items. There’s also a satellite pantry at the Student Activity Center, mostly filled with non-perishables.
Daniel McCain, a third-year student and marketing head for the CFP, emphasizes the growing need for this support. “At U.Va., around 40% of incoming students worry about food insecurity,” he noted. “We’ve seen over 10,000 visits to the pantry this year, indicating a rising demand.”
The CFP is part of the nationwide Tackle Hunger campaign, which encourages communities to combat food insecurity. McCain explained, “We took the idea for the SouperBowl of Caring from Tackle Hunger and adapted it to fit our university’s needs.”
The goal for this year’s donation drive is ambitious: $25,000 and 500 cans of food. These donations will help sustain the pantry throughout the spring semester.
CFP also encourages students to spread the word about the drive and resources available at the pantry. Sharing information with friends and family can make a big difference. Additionally, Contracted Independent Organizations (CIOs) are invited to partner with the CFP for food drives and events.
For more details about the SouperBowl of Caring and the food pantry, check out the CFP website.
This initiative reflects a broader concern about food insecurity affecting college students nationwide. A study from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice reported that 41% of college students faced food insecurity in the past year—a statistic showing that the need for food pantries like CFP extends far beyond U.Va.
Engaging the community helps address not just the immediate needs but also raises awareness about food scarcity among students.
