On September 18, 2015, an email was sent to faculty and staff concerning the low food supplies in The Salvation Army and Allied Churches of Alamance County food pantries. Both need a constant supply of donations as the Allied Churches pantry helps feed 2,000 individuals each month and The Salvation Army provides emergency food boxes to 250 families per month. Both are community partners that work closely with Elon University and play an integral role in the Alamance County community.
Departments and organizations across campus responded to request for food donations. The Student Professional Development Center, Belk Library, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Residence Life, Catholic Campus Ministry, Leaders in a Global World Living Learning Community, Information Systems and Technology, the School of Education, and Panhellenic Council all held food drives to support the organizations.
In addition, Elon Dining generously sponsored a 5 for 1 canned food drive in which any student, staff, faculty, or community member who donated 5 canned goods received a free meal at Lakeside Dining Hall. During the week of October 26-30, 665.6 lbs of food were collected! The donations were split based on the needs of each food pantry; 286.1 lbs went to The Salvation Army and 379.5 lbs went to Allied Churches of Alamance County.
A special thanks to all who help organize a food drive or contributed. If you are interested in donating food, there is a bin outside of the Kernodle Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting our community partners please visit the Kernodle Center website.