Join Binghamton University in the Fight Against Hunger: Participate in the Stop Hunger Food Drive!

The recent Stop Hunger food drive at Binghamton University showcased the community’s commitment to fighting hunger. By collecting donations at dining hall registers, they raised enough funds to provide 17,980 meals to individuals and families in need. This effort reflects a larger drive to support those who face food insecurity, especially in today’s challenging economic climate.

Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) has participated in the Stop Hunger Food Drive for over 20 years. This initiative is part of Sodexo’s commitment to ending hunger and providing disaster relief. It allows BUDS to support community food pantries while using its purchasing power to buy nutritious meals at reduced costs.

Christopher Harasta, BUDS Sustainability Manager, praised the staff’s engagement with students, emphasizing the importance of explaining how donated funds are used. The campus also featured a friendly competition to boost donations, showing how collective effort can lead to significant change.

After fundraising, BUDS consulted with Stop Hunger about what food items were most needed. This not only maximizes the value of donations but also helps students utilize their meal plan money effectively. Harasta noted, “These local organizations, especially now, are struggling for funds. We can support them and the vital work they do.” Half of the collected funds benefit the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), while the other half supports the campus food pantry.

Giovanni Carrero, a fourth-year environmental science major and the president of the Food Recovery Network at the university, found the experience particularly rewarding. “I noticed food insecurity levels both on campus and throughout Broome County,” he explained. He was motivated to contribute by finding ways to repurpose leftover food from dining halls into meals for the campus food pantry. He believes that the Stop Hunger Drive not only provides food but also raises awareness about this important issue.

CHOW and the Binghamton University Food Pantry were crucial partners in this initiative, ensuring that those in need receive proper meals and support. Past drives have successfully brought in about 20,000 meals each semester, illustrating the community’s consistent commitment to address food insecurity. With an upcoming Spring 2026 drive, there’s hope for even greater support.

Data from national surveys indicate that food insecurity impacts nearly 10% of Americans. Educational institutions like Binghamton University play a vital role in local charity efforts, which helps reduce that number and ensures students and community members alike can access healthy food.

For more information about ongoing initiatives, visit Binghamton Dining Services.

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