State Employee Food Drive begins next week

The annual Governor’s State Employee Food Drive, also known as the February Food Drive, is a monthlong effort that begins Feb. 1, and all food and money received at SOU will directly address hunger at the university by supporting the Student Food Pantry’s operations throughout the year.

Donations in any amount or quantity will be welcomed – whether by accepting the “Governor’s Challenge” to donate $12 per month and a total of $144 for the year, contributing a different amount or leaving canned or packaged food in well-marked collection bins that will be placed on the main floor of each SOU building.

Anyone can make a one-time monetary donation online, and employees have the additional option of signing up for a monthly payroll deduction. Visit giving.sou.edu/food-pantry and donate by Feb. 28 to participate in the February Food Drive.

The popular “Fill the Bin” building competition is also back for the 2023 food drive, with the building that collects the largest volume of non-perishable food items by weight receiving bragging rights for the year. Collection bins will be placed in buildings beginning Feb. 3, and will be collected and weighed on Friday, March 3.

Items in highest demand at the Student Food Pantry include hearty soups, instant oatmeal, microwaveable/instant meals, nut butters, pasta, pasta sauce, canned beans, cereal, non-dairy milk and snack bars.

Questions about the food drive or the Student Food Pantry can be directed to foodpantry@sou.edu or visit the February Food Drive website at www.sou.edu/fooddrive for more information.