putting fruit in a bag

Food in a Flash: Coming Together to Fight Food Insecurity

For many people in our community, food insecurity is a real and persistent challenge. While it may seem distant to some, it remains a pressing issue close to home.

To address this need, Kent State University has launched an initiative called "Food in a Flash." The campaign's purpose is to fight food insecurity through collective action—uniting organizations, faculty, students, and staff across campus to collect food and raise awareness of this critical issue. 

"There are members of our community who do not know where their next meal is coming from," says Craig Berger, associate director in the Center for Student Involvement, who focuses on civic and community engagement. "By participating in Food in a Flash, you could be literally helping the person who might be next to you in the Student Center or sitting beside you in class." 

The campaign began on Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 24. Its goal is not only to collect nonperishable food items, but also to raise awareness that hunger remains a constant challenge for many in our community. 

Collaborating for the Community

Food in a Flash emerged from a shared desire among various centers, organizations, and individuals across campus to address this problem. Instead of numerous small, isolated efforts, they decided to pool their resources, forming an extensive, coordinated campaign.

"This came about organically," explains Berger, "We realized there were many different efforts underway across campus. If we can all join forces and link up, we can achieve something really great."

volunteer
Flashes Fighting Hunger

This collective spirit is what makes the initiative possible. Key partners driving this large-scale effort include:

  • Center for Student Involvement (CSI)

  • Undergraduate Student Government (USG)

  • Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

  • University Culinary Services

  • CARES Center/Flashes Fighting Hunger

  • Criminology Club

  • Kent State United Way Campaign Committee.

Options to Help 

To ensure that all members of the Kent State community can contribute, the Food in a Flash initiative has implemented multiple ways to support it.

  • Donation Collection Stations: Clearly marked "Food in a Flash" collection stations are available throughout campus for the convenient drop-off of unopened, shelf-stable items (no glass, if possible).

  • Drive-Through Food Drive: A significant collection event, coordinated by the Kent State United Way Campaign Committee, will make giving even easier:

    • When: Wed., Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    • Where: Eastway Dining Hall (Eastway Drive)

  • Student Organization Incentive: Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is encouraging student organizations to get involved:

    • Any organization collecting at least 25 canned goods or other nonperishable items will be entered into a raffle.

    • Ten qualifying organizations will be selected to receive a $200 FlashCash card from USG, which is usable for their programs and initiatives.

    • Donations can be submitted to the Student Leader Suite (Room 217) in the Kent Student Center.

  • Donations can be brought to the men’s basketball game on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m., or to the home football game on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. Donors will receive giveaways from recent athletic events. You can also bring donations to Kent State’s Got Talent on Friday, Nov. 14.

 

Volunteer Needed

The success of the campaign depends on the generosity of time. Volunteers are needed to help staff at the collection stations, assist with the drive-through event (including traffic control, unloading, and sorting), and transport donations.

 

Where Your Donations Go

The collected goods are split to serve the twin goals of the initiative—supporting the Kent State family and assisting local neighbors in Portage County.

  • On-Campus Support: General donations primarily stock the pantries of the CARES Center (which provides basic needs assistance to Kent State students) and Flashes Fighting Hunger (a student-powered effort that serves the more expansive campus and community).

  • Community Support: Food collected during the Drive-Through Food Drive will specifically benefit three crucial local service organizations in Portage County: Kent Social Services, the Center of Hope (Ravenna), and Shepherd's House homeless shelter. 

     

     

POSTED: Thursday, November 13, 2025 02:29 PM
Updated: Friday, November 14, 2025 12:53 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Benjamin Begazo
PHOTO CREDIT:
Abby Kress
© 2025 Kent State University All rights reserved.