Volunteers accept donations during the 2022 food drive.
On Friday, Sept. 20, before the Orange football team takes on Stanford at 7:30 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome, the Office of Community Engagement and the Salvation Army will host a food drive to collect non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army’s Emergency Pantry. Those planning to attend the game are asked to bring with them non-perishable foods to donate. The items that are needed the most include the following:
“Many of us do not have to make the hard choices in life, like deciding whether to buy food or pay rent or a utility bill,” says Major Charles Roberts, director of county operations for The Salvation Army of Syracuse. “The issues that people and families suffering in poverty face have converged into a perfect storm—increasing retail prices, elimination of pre-COVID SNAP benefits, worsening food desert conditions (like lack of access to fresh fruit and vegetables) and increased demand for community-based organizations to provide greater amounts of resources over a longer period. It is food drives like the one before the game on Friday that literally keep good food on our pantry shelves.”
There will be various drop-off locations strategically placed around campus and in several parking lots. In addition to the food barrels, the Salvation Army will be on hand with red kettles accepting monetary donations with all proceeds benefiting the organization’s programs and services. No cash? No problem! Donations can also be made by texting SASGIVES to 31333 or by visiting their online donation page. The barrels and red kettles can be found in the following locations on Friday:
Barrel/red kettle sites:
Kettle-only sites:
Barrel-only sites:
If you have any questions, contact Jake Losowski, associate director of community engagement, at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.
