From now through Feb. 28 the Governor’s State Employees Food Drive will be collecting donations of food and money for the Oregon Food Bank. The program brought in the equivalent of nearly 3 million pounds of food statewide last year.
“It’s for everyone,” said Matt Roberts, senior director of community relations and operator for the food drive. “It’s called the Employees Food Drive, but anyone can participate.”
The Governor’s Challenge this year asks employees to donate at least $144 annually, or at least $12 per month, to the food bank of their choice.
To donate, just drop items in one of the donation barrels being distributed around campus or make a monetary donation directly to a local food bank. Food for Lane County serves the Eugene-Springfield area.
Checks should be made out to the food bank the employee wishes to support, and cash, credit cards or payroll deductions also are accepted. Each $1 donation pays for four pounds of food, which is how those donations are counted in the final tally. A $10 donation can pay for 30 meals.
The UO also has a partnership with Euphoria Chocolate in which it buys 10-piece bags of chocolate hearts in bulk for $2 and sells them for $4 — 75 cents cheaper than retail. All of the profits are donated to the drive.
“Each unit participating in the food drive will be selling chocolate,” Roberts said. “Usually it’s available through their food drive coordinator.”
This year, the drive will accept nonperishable pet food items for the first time. Pet food can be donated in the specially marked pet food donation barrels.
The university had a strong showing in 2016, easily surpassing its goal. This year drive organizers hope to receive even more donations.
“Our 2017 goal is 125,000 pounds,” Roberts said. “Last year we raised over 100,000 pounds, so we’re trying to eclipse that.”
This year’s most wanted foods are canned meat, peanut butter, canned or boxed meals, shelf-stable milk, beans or peas, canned fruits or vegetables, cooking oil, pasta, rice, cereal and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. Plastic, boxed or canned items are welcome, but glass cannot be accepted due to its breakable nature.
The food drive evolved out of the Oregon Food Share, which Gov. Vic Atiyeh started in 1979 in response to federal cutbacks on food stamp allotments. In 1982, Atiyeh began the Governor’s State Employee’s Food Drive, asking state agencies “to reduce the suffering of those without adequate food resources” and “to show that true Oregonians believe that we can and do help our friends and neighbors in need.”
For ideas on how to raise awareness, to see a calendar of upcoming events, or just to show support, visit the UO Food Drive Facebook page.
—By Noah Ripley, University Communications