Join the ‘Stuff the Truck’ Initiative: Fueling Local Student Food Pantries Together!

“Stuff the Truck” supports Marquette’s Backpack Program.

Homecoming Week at Marquette is not just about fun and festivities. It’s also a time for giving back. As students enjoy the celebrations, donation bins pop up around campus, including the Alumni Memorial Union and Lemonis Center. These bins are for the Backpack Program, Marquette’s food pantry, where students can donate food and supplies.

This Friday, all donations will be collected and stacked at Eckstein Common for an event called “Stuff the Truck.” This initiative aims to fill a truck with contributions for the Backpack Program.

The first “Stuff the Truck” event began in October 2016, and nearly a decade later, it’s back! The Homecoming 2025 event kicks off at noon, inviting students to help out until 1 p.m.

Christine Little, who manages Food Assistance and Recovery at Marquette, emphasizes the importance of such events for building school spirit. She believes that initiatives like these showcase the university’s commitment to supporting its students and fostering community.

The Backpack Program plays a crucial role by providing groceries and personal care items to students facing financial hardships. It aims to help these students succeed academically and personally by meeting their basic needs.

Little highlights that for students to thrive, their essential needs must be met. If students are struggling with hunger or access to basic goods, it hampers their ability to succeed in their studies and personal growth.

While Little leads the Backpack Program, the “Stuff the Truck” event is a collaborative effort. Jen Reid, the Director of Alumni Memorial Union and Student Engagement, helped organize the event and engaged students in the process. The campus community has rallied together to ensure the bins are placed and that everything is properly signed and promoted.

Students who want to contribute can check out the Backpack Program’s Amazon wishlist for items that are in high demand.

This story was written by Lance Schulteis. He can be reached via email.