Avion

Issue date: 12/1/09 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Richelle Green STUDENTS AND SODEXHO EMPLOYEES help to sort and box up the approximately 2,251 pounds of canned food that was brought in over a 24-hour time span for the food drive. The Air Force ROTC won the contest by bringing in over 1,800 pounds of canned food. Next year, the goal is to collect over 10,000 pounds of canned food.

To help fight hunger and some of the struggles of those less fortunate, bins were set up around campus on Thursday, Nov. 16 and Friday, Nov. 17. The bins were set up by Second Harvest (recently renamed Feeding America) to collect food donations. In the 24-hour period, about 2,251 pounds of canned food was brought in. This was more than the 600 pounds brought in last year.

Cheryl Varney, Sodexho Campus Services Retail Operations Manager, said she would consider the overall turnout a success.

"I am very pleased with the number of cans collected. This is the most cans we have ever collected and the first time we have encouraged a competition with a cash prize of $1000 for the winning organization."

According to the Hunger in America Web site feedingamerica.org, 36 million Americans struggle with hunger, including 13 million children. In 2007, 3.4 percent of U.S. households (3.9 million in total) accessed emergency food from a food pantry one or more times.

"We are very excited for next year, and hope to reach a goal of 10,000 pounds. There will be obstacles to overcome but with help from the students and organizations, I believe that this goal can be met," said Varney.

The winner of the $1000 cash prize was the Air Force ROTC, who brought in 1,800 pounds of canned food. Honorable mentions for the contest went to Marie Rohlfs, the Air Force ROTC Executive Assistant, Bianea Boney, Hotel Flight Commander, Joseph Rubino, Lima Flight Commander, and Danielle Sands, Eagle Wing President.

Cheryl Varney, Retail Operations Manager, and Richelle Green, Catering Manager, were responsible for leading the collection process here on campus. They wanted to thank Bob Thomas, Operation Manger for Second Harvest food bank, for his contributions to the event.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools