The HSU Service Learning Center coordinated the food drive, and active participation from the community of Arcata was the key factor in making this a successful event. According to Chelsea Barto, HSU student and Service Learning Intern, the donations both on and off campus were very impressive. “People filled barrel after barrel on campus,” said Barto, “It was great to see the generosity of so many people coming together to support the Food Bank.”
As part of the “HSU Hunger Fighter Challenge,” all campus clubs, departments and offices were asked to participate in a healthy competition to see who could raise the largest amount of food for the Food Bank. This year’s winners were the Provost and Vice Provost Offices, with their generous donation of nearly 80 pounds of food.
The HSU Food Drive was the first in the series of many food drives Food for People will be holding this season around the county. Katie Harbaugh, Local Food Resources Coordinator at Food for People said HSU did a great job jump starting the season.
“The food we collect locally comprises a huge proportion of what we distribute through the food bank year round. That’s why HSU’s role was so important,” Harbaugh said. “It’s important to give because it helps raise awareness in the community and about the struggles our neighbors are facing. It is an ‘economic perfect storm’ right now and we experience this locally. Food for People has seen the need for food donations increased significantly.”
If you have food items that you would like to contribute to Food for People’s efforts this holiday season, please see the list below for local businesses where donations can be dropped off. The foods that families and children need most are: Canned tuna and chicken, beans and rice, canned soups and stews, canned fruit, boxed and canned juices, peanut butter, breakfast cereals, pasta, canned vegetables, and nutritional supplements/instant breakfast drinks.
Food Donation Drop Off Locations:
Arcata
- Allied Cash Advance, 600 F St.
- Arcata Service Center, 501 9th St.
- Bank of America, 697 8th St.
- Ray’s Food Place, 5000 Valley West Road
- Rita’s Mexican Market& Deli, 815 J Street
- Safeway, 600 F St.
- US Bank, 10th & G St.
- Wildberries Marketplace, 747 13th St.
SunnyBrae
- Murphy’s Market, 785 Bayside Road
Blue Lake
- Murphy’s Market, 1451 Glendale Dr.
For more information, please contact Jyl Barnett at (707) 826-4963 or jmb137@humboldt.edu.