Recognizing that hunger impacts a growing number of Central New York families, the University’s Office of Community Engagement is partnering with the Salvation Army and other local organizations through its Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative to help families access the nutrition they need.
The efforts begin on Monday, Sept. 22, and run through Friday, Oct. 3.
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Food Pantry serves approximately 1,200 people in need each month. (Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army)
Among the events to combat food insecurity are a campuswide food drive, a fundraiser to benefit the Salvation Army Food Pantry before the Sept. 27 home football game vs. Duke University, and the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser Oct. 3 benefitting more than 70 Onondaga County food pantries through the Interreligious Food Consortium.
“Supporting our community’s food security agencies is more important than ever, and Syracuse University is proud to continue its partnership with the Salvation Army through our annual drive at the JMA Wireless Dome in support of their Emergency Food Pantry,” says Jenny Dombroske, executive director of community engagement.
In August, 16% of the Salvation Army’s Emergency Food Pantry clients were first-time visitors. The food pantry now serves approximately 1,200 people each month. A gift of $25 can help feed a family of four for a day, and every gift made has the power to help combat food insecurity.
“Syracuse University holds a prominent place in our community. When community needs are expressed, the University as an institution can answer the call,” says Jake Losowski, associate director of community engagement. “Our giving back makes a difference and helps local organizations meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.”
The events planned during the Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative in which University community members can participate are the following:
An Empty Bowls fundraiser will benefit benefit the Interreligious Food Consortium, which supports more than 70 food pantries in Onondaga County.
Saturday, Sept. 27: Tackle Hunger: Salvation Army Food Pantry fundraiser. At locations outside of the JMA Wireless Dome, Salvation Army volunteers will roll out their red kettles and collect monetary donations before the home football game vs. Duke. Every donation made will be matched up to $5,000 by the Hayner Hoyt Corporation.
The Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative coincides with the ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations of the Food Bank of Central New York.
For questions about any of the events, contact Losowski at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.
