Part of the Greek Week 2023 festivities include the annual Redhawk Pantry Food Drive on April 17 to help fight food insecurity on campus.
The Redhawk Food Pantry serves students and campus employees and relies on financial donations and food drives from both campus and the Cape Girardeau area. It supplies food, school supplies and a number of toiletries to students, faculty, and staff who may be in need.
During Greek Week each year, the Greek organizations compete against each other for points earned through various competitions and philanthropy. As part of the food drive, Greek groups get points for the canned goods collected. Last year, nearly 10,000 food items were donated during the event. This year’s Greek Week Food Drive will take place Monday, April 17 from 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m
“The success of the food pantry would not be possible without the many food drives and direct financial donations provided by so many,” said Bruce Skinner, associate vice president for student life. “This past SEMO Giving Day, the pantry received almost $2,300 in donations that will be used over the coming year to help those utilizing the pantry.”
But more may be needed as Food Pantry Manager Jane Kurre says usage this spring has been higher than previous years. Kurre says while the numbers fluctuate month-to-month, she is seeing 80 or more visits to the pantry monthly.
Donations may be dropped off at the Redhawk Food Pantry, located at Kent Library 123 (inside Textbook Rental). For more information on supporting the efforts, visit the Redhawk Food Pantry web page.