by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — You can get into the holiday spirit early by participating in the Thanks “Giving Back” Campus Food Drive to assist Southern Illinois University Carbondale students who need a bit of help now and then. The food drive is slated for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19, which falls within National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and all donations go to the Saluki Food Pantry. The pantry has served thousands of students and their families since it launched in August 2016.
Donations of all kinds welcome
Community members, faculty and staff can participate by contributing nonperishable food items in either of these two ways:
- Drop off donations at the Student Center’s “Crosshalls,” located on the first floor near the University Bookstore the morning of Nov. 19.
- Campus offices can make arrangements for the SIU Grounds Department to pick up larger donations by simply emailing foodpantry@siu.eduto schedule a pickup time.
Need especially great for some items
Donations of any nonperishable food items are always appreciated. Organizers say the need is particularly great for:
- Proteins/meats – canned tuna, chicken or salmon as well as peanut butter, canned or dried beans.
- Fruit – canned or cups (preferably with no sugar added).
- Soups/sauces – chicken noodle soup, spaghetti, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, ramen.
- Grains – brown or white rice, boxed/bagged pasta, oatmeal, cereal, boxed pasta meals.
Find the most current list of needed food items on the food pantry website.
Monetary donations are always appreciated to help meet current needs and can be made by clicking on the “Online Giving” tab on the food pantry website.
Food insecurity, which is limited, irregular or uncertain access to an adequate amount of safe, nutritious food, is a common issue throughout the country, and especially on college campuses, where as many as 30-50% of students are affected, according to various surveys. At SIU, about two of every five students are affected.
Additional details
The Saluki Food Pantry, located on the lower level of the Student Center, is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. It provides students with enough free food to sustain each person in their household for about three days.
For more information, visit the food pantry website or email foodpantry@siu.edu.