Vanderbilt’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is launching its first food drive, “Anchor Down Hunger,” from November 1 to 15. This initiative, in partnership with Swipes for a Cause and Second Harvest Food Bank, aims to help local food banks in Nashville.
To kick things off, SAAC has set up around 40 donation boxes in busy spots on campus, including residence halls and dining areas. They’re looking for items like peanut butter, canned meat, fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta, and cereal. Any non-perishable foods are welcome.
Brady Bliven, a junior and SAAC’s vice president, got the idea for the food drive after hearing about a similar initiative at a conference. He hopes this campaign will positively impact Nashville. “We want to encourage students to donate leftover meal swipes and canned goods as the semester wraps up,” he said.
Junior Kennadie Marchand, chair of SAAC’s social impact committee, highlighted the need for community support. “Local communities need to come together against food insecurity,” she noted. She believes students will be more inclined to donate their meal swipes during the holiday season, making a difference for families in need.
Katelen Watkins, assistant director of student athlete development, echoed this sentiment. She shared her pride in SAAC’s efforts and emphasized the importance of being mindful of the challenges facing their neighbors. “While we have dining options on every corner of campus, that’s not the reality for everyone around us,” she pointed out.
Recent statistics show an increased demand for food assistance in Nashville. Second Harvest experienced a 30% reduction in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, impacting local food supply. This cut comes on top of potential reductions to SNAP benefits, which could further strain families. ATP (Assistance for Temporary Program) runs reported that only half of the eligible participants will receive benefits during critical times, according to a recent government statement.
Despite these challenges, there’s hope. Brady Bliven believes the food drive could inspire more community involvement. “We want this to extend beyond just Vanderbilt; we hope to engage the entire Nashville community,” he said.
In a time when food security is critical, such initiatives remind us of the power of collective action and the spirit of giving. Supporting local efforts not only helps those in need but also strengthens community ties. For more information on food insecurity initiatives, visit the Second Harvest Food Bank here.
