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November 17, 2022
SIU’s “Give Back” Food drive on November 29 will benefit students
CARBONDALE, Ill. – A special event to benefit Southern Illinois University Carbondale students – the Thank You “Give Back” Food Drive – returns in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. The collection effort is set for 7:30am to 1pm on November 29.
Food insecurity is not uncommon and the food drive will help stock the shelves of the Saluki Food Pantry, which has served more than 4,600 students and their families since opening its doors in August 2016. The pantry’s goal is to help students stay the school and meet their educational goals.
Give two ways
Donations are welcomed from faculty, staff and community. Non-perishable food items and toiletries for the Saluki Food Pantry will be accepted in two different ways:
- Art Gallery – simply drop off donations in the Student Center Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the Student Center near the south escalator, on the morning of November 29. Call 618-453-3766 or email [email protected] for assistance if necessary with larger donations that morning.
- Office pickup – The SIU Grounds Department is available to collect items and transport them to the Student Center. Email [email protected] to schedule a pickup time.
Needs are particularly great, challenges are encouraged
The need for items to stock the shelves is particularly great this year, say the organisers. Food insecurity on college campuses often tends to go unnoticed, but nearly a third of SIU’s student population reports experiencing the issue, which is common at universities across the country, said Kent Epplin, associate director of the Student Centre. SIU offices, departments and units are encouraged to “challenge” each other to collect the most items, he said.
The event also coincides with Giving Tuesday for the Southern Illinois Community Foundation.
We always welcome donations of any non-perishable food items, along with basic toiletries. The most sought after and therefore most needed items include:
- Canned fruit.
- Tinned meats (chicken, turkey, tuna.)
- Pasta and pasta sauce.
- Financial donations. The money does not go directly to the students but is used to buy products as needed.
While all donations are appreciated, organizers encourage donors to consider the types of foods that college-aged students typically eat and know how to cook.
For more information
The Saluki Food Pantry is located on the lower level of the Student Center and is open from 9am-noon on Mondays and 10am-1pm on Thursdays.
For more information about the pantry or the ‘Giving Back’ Food Drive ‘Thank You’, visit the website at studentcenter.siu.edu/services/saluki-food-pantry.php or email [email protected]. edu
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