Food Drive Collects More than 38,000 Pounds for the Central Virginia Food Bank

By Mike Porter

VCU’s fourth annual university-wide food drive has once again helped to restock the shelves at the Central Virginia Food Bank and its affiliated Meals on Wheels and Community Kitchen programs.

The jars and cans have been counted and the dollars have been tallied, and, altogether, the three-day drive collected the equivalent of more than 38,000 pounds of food.

The food drive ran from April 17 to April 19 at multiple locations on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Additional drop-off sites allowed morning commuters to contribute to the drive.
 
“We’re delighted to help the food bank at a time when donations are down and the need continues to be great,” said Diane Reynolds, director of Business Services. “I’m grateful to everyone from VCU and the surrounding community who contributed to this effort by donating or volunteering.”    

Reynolds organized the first university-wide drive in 2009 after hearing about shortages at the Central Virginia Food Bank.

This year’s drive brought in donations of peanut butter, canned meats and fish, vegetables and fruits, spaghetti sauce, pasta and rice, which are especially in demand.

Financial donations will allow the food bank to purchase additional food with every dollar collected buying enough food to feed up to five people.
 
This year’s food drive was supported by VCU Business Services, VCU Recreational Sports, VCU Alumni Relations and the VCU Division of Community Engagement.