National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual initiative where people come together across the country to draw attention to the challenges of hunger and homelessness in local communities, is recognized this week. The Kent State University community demonstrated its commitment to fighting hunger with the “Stuff the Truck” Food Drive on Wednesday, November 16.
“This event is important because we need to show support for people who are experiencing food insecurity both on campus and in the community,” Craig Berger, associate director of Community Engaged Learning, said. “We want to make sure with temperatures dropping that our people are taken care of.”
Flashes Fighting Hunger and Community Engaged Learning hosted this food drive in the parking lot of Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement building. All members of the Kent State and local communities were invited to donate non-perishable food and toiletry items to fill up the truck.
“We’re hoping to reflect the entire community’s support for ensuring food security among our residents and demonstrate that helping one another is a community value,” Amanda Woodyard, director of Community Engaged Learning, said.
Kent State students, including over 80 student athletes, volunteered their time in support of the event. Even more students and faculty showed up to donate items. Volunteers showed up in waves but all were eager to help as they braved the frigid, fall weather. Many were busy handling heavy boxes while others signed in guests and their donations. The truck held many items such as canned corn, soups and other non-perishable items.
“Kent has people that face food insecurity, so it's nice to be able to help provide for them,” Kalena Speicher, junior political science major, said. “Especially during this time of the year it is so important that everyone has their basic needs met.”
All items collected will be donated to Kent State’s Flashes Fighting Hunger pantry, which provides hunger relief to Kent State students, faculty, staff and surrounding communities, and Kent Social Services, the largest and most comprehensive hot meal and food pantry program in Kent.
Other events that are taking place this week in honor of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week are:
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Meal Swipe with the CARES Center on Nov. 17, 2022
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Day of Action on Nov. 19, 2022
Learn more about Flashes Fighting Hunger www.kent.edu/community/flashes-fighting-hunger.
Find out more about Flash’s Food Pantry www.kent.edu/stark/flashs-food-pantry.
Learn more about Community Engaged Learning www.kent.edu/community.