For a starving college student, the thought of donating food to others may be a foreign concept. However, the food drive that will run from Nov. 12 to Nov. 30 will provide an opportunity for students to reach outside themselves and make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Utah families living in poverty.
The Community Action Food Bank has experienced a drop in donations this year, a result of the removal of the BYU v. U of U food drive and the increase of those needing donated items.
According to Utahns Against Hunger’s website, the number of people currently living in poverty in Utah County is 76,000, up from 62,000 in 2008.
To help cover the shortage, the Community Action Food Bank is holding an emergency food drive on Nov. 17. Donations can be made at the food bank at 815 South Freedom Boulevard. Volunteers are also needed to work at the food bank on this day.
Dave Smith is the food bank manager at Community Action Services in Provo.
“Small donations add up and they do make a difference,” Smith said. “Think of a single mom with a few kids who doesn’t know where the next meal is coming from. With food assistance that mom can turn her attention to improving the situation for her family. And did you know that one dollar allows our food bank to provide up to 17 pounds of food? So small donations can help a lot.”
BYU students will also have many other opportunities to help out because this year BYU has partnered with UVU and Community Action Services to collect items from Nov. 12 to Nov. 30. Students will be able to drop off non-perishable items to bins around campus as well as local businesses. Financial contributions can also be made both in person and online at fooddrive.byu.edu.
Smith said that while helping the hungry is an effect of volunteers’ efforts, the real goal is much deeper.
“While the Food Bank at Community Action Services can provide relief, our mission is to foster self-reliance in individuals and families,” Smith said. “So many of our programs are directed at solving the root causes of hunger; when people get back on their feet it benefits the community and the economy.”
As part of the drive, KBYU Eleven will be hosting the “Slam Dunk on Hunger” event on Nov. 13 at BYU Broadcasting to gather food. From 4 to 6:30 p.m., KBYU will be offering one ticket to that night’s basketball game for every three cans of food or $3 donated.
The event will also feature an appearance by Cosmo, as well as prizes, face painting and a tour of the BYU Broadcasting studios. The goal is to collect one dollar or 17 pounds of food to “fill each seat” in the BYU and UVU venues and feed Utah County residents in poverty.
Diena Simmons is the station manager of KBYU Eleven and is hosting the “Slam Dunk on Hunger” event.
“The event will have something for everyone,” Simmons said. “People will be able to have fun while helping to feed Utah’s hungry during this needy time.”
