KU community aims to provide 30,000 meals through annual food drive
More Information
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community will collaborate in an effort to provide 30,000 meals for families in Lawrence and Douglas County. The fourth annual KU Fights Hunger Food Drive will run Sept. 9-23. Both canned food and monetary donations are sought.
This year's drive is unique in several aspects. In past years the drive took place in the summer to combat food bank shortages common in the months when students are not in school. This year the drive was moved to September to capitalize on more students, faculty and staff members being present on campus to donate. Also, for the first time this year, people can donate $10 to the drive simply by using their phones. By texting "JUSTFOODKS" to 80888, a $10 donation will be made to Just Food, and the charge will appear on the user's next phone bill.
All donations will benefit Just Food, a Douglas County food bank. Just Food directly helps about 8,000 people each month and shares donations with more than 30 pantries and charitable organizations throughout the area. Approximately 40 percent of the community members who benefit from the food drive are children.
"Having three ways to donate now makes it easier for people to help hungry members of our community," said Thelma Simons, food drive coordinator and KU staff member. "Just Food can provide a meal for as little as 20 cents, so monetary donations are especially helpful. All contributions we gather stay in Douglas County to provide much-needed meals to the families in our community."
The goal of the drive, sponsored by KU Unclassified Senate, KU University Support Staff Senate and the Center for Community Outreach, is 30,000 meals, or $6,000. Monetary donations are encouraged as they can go farther than physical donations. Pledges can be made securely online. People donating online should select "KU Fights Hunger" from the donation list to ensure their donation is counted for the KU drive. Canned donations will also be accepted at drop points around campus. A full map and list of donation locations can be found online.
Previous drives have collected more than 5 tons of food for the community and thousands of meals. More information on the drive can be found on Facebook.