Campus Holiday Food Drive Begins Nov. 14
 
The Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Office of Health Education and Promotion-Health Services, Athletics, University Hospitality Services, and the Student Nutrition Association have joined forces to launch a campuswide holiday food drive. During the week of November 14, student volunteers will accept food and monetary donations to benefit the N.H. Food Bank and other local food pantries.

In an effort to reach out to the entire UNH community, a number of collections will be occurring all week. University Hospitality Services will be mailing all faculty and staff a coupon to enjoy a discounted lunch at Stillings, Holloway Commons or Philbrook Dining Hall in exchange for a nonperishable food donation. Students can donate to the food drive at marked locations across campus including Health Services, Campus Recreation, the Memorial Union Building, and the residence halls. The greater UNH community is also being urged to contribute to the food drive at the men’s hockey game vs. UMass-Lowell Nov. 18 or the football game vs. Maine Nov. 19.

The New Hampshire Food Bank has worked to increase the availability and distribution of high quality, nutritious foods to a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, children’s programs, and elderly meal sites that feed the hungry. As the only Food Bank in New Hampshire, they serve more than 80,000 people in need through 340 agencies in the state. This year in particular, many families will struggle to meet rising fuel and food costs.

“We are thrilled to unite members of the University to respond to this pervasive problem. Although substantive national and regional policies that promote livable wages and sustainable communities for working Americans are long overdue, the immediate food and nutrition needs of NH families cannot be ignored,” said Joanne Burke, clinical assistant professor of nutrition and the food drive’s faculty coordinator.

Urgently needed food items include canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, 100 percent fruit juice boxes, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta & rice, healthy cereals, and dried beans. Monetary donations will also be accepted and are encouraged. For every dollar donated, the N.H. Food Bank is able to provide four meals to the state’s needy.

For more information, please contact Jesse Stabile Morrell at jesse.morrell@unh.edu or 2-2547.