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Food in a Flash promotional graphic that says: "University-wide Food Drive" in white near the top of the graphic and says: "Food in a Flash" in orange, blue, and yellow against a dark blue background

Food in a Flash

Kent State's University-wide Food Drive • Oct. 28–Nov. 21, 2026

For three weeks, Golden Flashes across the university will collect donations for our on-campus pantries (Flashes Fighting Hunger and the CARES Center). 

This drive is a collaborative effort led by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), Athletics, Flashes Fighting Hunger, and the CARES Center. 

Help our campus community fight food insecurity! Every can, box and dollar adds up.

 

How to Participate

1) Drop off canned good items at campus collection sites (Oct. 28–Nov. 21)

Look for clearly marked "Food in a Flash" collection stations across campus, including convenient spots near campus markets/C-stores.

Collection stations will be located in the following locations:

  • Kent Student Center -- Student Leader Suite (Rm. 217)
  • Tri-Towers -- Rosie's Market
  • Eastway -- Eastway Market
  • Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center -- Atrium
  • Tri-Rec
  • Ice Arena
  • University Library
  • Kent State Museum
     

2) Give at Athletic events

Bring shelf-stable items to the following athletic events and receive special giveaway items:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: Akron/Kent St. Football Game (Dix Stadium)
  • Monday, Nov. 16: Eastern Kentucky/Kent St. Basketball Game (MAC Center)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 17: Miami/Kent St. Football Game

Interested in volunteering to transport, weigh, and sort the donated food? 

3) Student Organizations: Make it a Team Effort

USG and CSI are teaming up to collect donations from student organizations—with incentives for participating orgs. 

Form a collection plan, log your donations by turning in all donations to the Student Leader Suite in the Kent Student Center (Rm. 217) during the hours of 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F.

More information will be distributed regarding scoring and high-need, priority items requested for donation. 

 
Who Benefits

Your gifts during this food drive will primarily support Flashes Fighting Hunger and the CARES Center, both of which form the heart of our on-campus food-security efforts.

Get Involved
  • Volunteer to help transport food donations from the Nov. 16 basketball game and the Nov. 17 football game
  • Make sure your student organization collects food and joins the campus-wide collection effort.
  • Spread the word: share our posts and digital signage, and challenge friends, classmates, and colleagues to give.
What to Donate

Shelf-stable items only, please. 

Please prioritize donating the following high-need food items: 

  • Canned meat
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauce
  • Canned fruit
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Cereal
  • Pancake mix
  • Ramen
  • Rice
  • Canned tuna
  • Canned chicken
  • Boxed macaroni and cheese
  • Dry beans
  • Syrup

Please also donate the following personal hygiene items (no diapers, please): 

  • Shampoo
  • Body wash
  • Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Floss
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Razors
  • Shaving cream
  • Menstruation products
Partners & Logistics

The “Food in a Flash” campaign is a collaboration among Athletics and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Undergraduate Student Government (USG), the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), Culinary Services, and the CARES Center/Flashes Fighting Hunger.

Key Dates at a Glance

  • Food in a Flash Drive: Oct. 21–Nov. 21
  • Athletics Collection Nights: Oct. 24 (FB), Nov. 16 (MBB) and Nov. 17 (FB)
  • Volunteer to Transport, Count, and Store Food: Nov. 21

Ready to help? Rally your hall, your office, or your student org—and let’s make this the most impactful food drive Kent State has ever seen.

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