It's that time of year again when many people have a lot to be thankful for: friends, family, gifts, celebration and food. However, it's also the time of year when many people take a lot for granted. It is easy to forget that around the holidays, and in general, many individuals struggle just to afford enough food and basic necessities to get by. But students at UNH have proven that people do think about those in need, and they do care.
A recent effort by students at UNH to collect money for two local food pantries as part of "Take on Hunger," an initiative supported by multiple organizations on campus, raised more than $1,700 in donations. These donations were solicited at athletic events during UNH's family weekend at the end of October. The recipients of this money are: the Cornucopia Food Pantry, which aids UNH students, staff, and faculty and their families and helped about 250 people last year; and the New Hampshire Food Bank, which services the entire state and helps to feed more than 95,000 people as the only food bank in New Hampshire.
"I know it was very successful," said Ashlee Iber, an adjunct faculty member at UNH who works in conjunction with the Cornucopia Food Pantry as a member of the Thompson School of Applied Science Community Leadership Program. "They went to athletic events and places where people already were to raise money. So it was definitely a good job on their part."
The fundraising effort, which was only one part of the Take on Hunger initiative, was spearheaded by students Lauren Lipes and Meghann MacCurrach, who are both officers and members of the Student Nutrition Association.
"The main goal for this event is to raise awareness and support of the growing food shortage in our national and local communities," said MacCurrach, who is president of the Student Nutrition Association. "By raising awareness, we hoped to increase the quantity of non-perishable goods and monetary donations. This allows individuals in the community to be an activist in making change and lending a helping hand to others in need."
MacCurrach explained that "Take on Hunger" is relatively new at UNH, having begun in 2005 with the first Student Nutrition Association Founder and President Ginny King of the class of 2007. The initiative is supported by campus organizations such as the Office of Health Education and Promotion at Health Services, University Hospitality Services, and the Thompson School's Community Leadership Program.
According to Suzanne Sonneborn, nutrition educator for the Health Services Office of Health Education and Promotion, this is the third year that a coordinated food drive has been organized at UNH to benefit the Cornucopia Food Pantry and the New Hampshire Food Bank. Each year, more organizations get involved and "Take on Hunger" gains more strength and has greater influence.
"The main goal of 'Take on Hunger' is to educate and bring awareness of
local hunger and food insecurity issues to the UNH community," said Sonneborn. "Most UNH students don't worry about food security, but there are some students who struggle to find food."
According to a UNH Media Relations release in the Campus Journal, almost 7.5 percent of New Hampshire residents live in poverty and do not know where their next meal will come from. Many are forced to make difficult financial decisions on a daily basis, with 42 percent of Granite State residents who are in need having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel.
"Within the UNH community alone, many students are in financial need and are unable to afford nutritional meals let alone luxury items," said MacCurrach. "Beyond UNH, the rate of hunger is continuously increasing with the population growth rate. As the holidays near and the weather diminishes, it is physically and psychologically difficult for individuals to find adequate food sources when financial resources are limited. Demand increases significantly during this time of year as individuals seek shelter, warmth and food at shelters. Therefore, it is increasingly important for more prosperous community members to make donations to food pantries."
Currently, the New Hampshire Food Bank and the Cornucopia Food Pantry's supplies are low. Items that are urgently needed include canned vegetables, fruits, soups, pasta, rice, dried beans, tomato sauce, eggs, meat and juices.
"Traditionally, the fall is when food pantries are well stocked," said Sonneborn. "That has not been the case this year. When school started, their shelves were empty. Most people think about donating food and money at holiday times, but forget that there is also a need at other times of the year."
For those interested in taking on hunger themselves and helping individuals who are in need, donations can be made to the New Hampshire Food Bank online at NHFoodBank.org. The Cornucopia Food Pantry, located on the ground floor of Christensen Hall, is open Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from noon to 5 p.m., and by appointment. Donations can be dropped off there or at the Waysmeet Center at 15 Mill Road. Gift certificates and cash donations are also welcome.
"A lot of the food pantries around New Hampshire are struggling right now," said Iber. "They're low on food and money. So any additional contributions of either food or money are greatly appreciated by both Cornucopia and the New Hampshire Food Bank, and other pantries throughout the state."
Be the first to comment on this article!