Together, the center and the bank generated more than 52,000 pounds of food.
The Service Learning Center and HSU Dining Services partnered in a system for students to donate a portion of their campus meal points to a national effort to combat hunger. In less than month, they contributed more than $2,000 worth of points for the purchase of vital, high-protein food supplies to be delivered directly to Food for People.
North Coast partners included Boy Scouts of America (Redwood Empire Council), Curves Fitness Centers for Women, Umpqua Bank, Grant Elementary School and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
The Service Learning Center’s efforts were part of a movement spurred by the National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness and the Feinstein Foundation to stem hunger across the country. The foundation encourages broad-based student efforts through a $1 million challenge grant.
Hunger relief agencies will receive a percentage of the grant, based on the amount of food and money they collected during March and April, in proportion to the total amount of food and money raised nationwide.
Jennifer Howell, one of the principal student organizers, said, “The Feinstein Challenge is a great example of creating positive and enduring change in Humboldt County, in the attempt to end local hunger and help out those most in need. This collaboration of multiple organizations has made this food drive a success.”