VCU Hosts Fourth Annual University-Wide Food Drive

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University is holding a three-day, university-wide food drive to support the Central Virginia Food Bank and its affiliated Meals on Wheels and Community Kitchen programs.

The food drive takes place April 17, 18 and 19 at multiple locations on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. VCU mascot Rodney Ram will greet food donors between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the drop-off location at West Broad and Harrison streets on Tuesday and at the Eighth Street Parking Deck on the MCV Campus on Thursday. 

This year’s food drive is supported by VCU Business Services, VCU Recreational Sports, VCU Alumni Relations and the VCU Division of Community Engagement.

Business Services Director Diane Reynolds organized the first unified drive in 2009 after hearing about shortages at the Central Virginia Food Bank. The first drive raised enough food and money to feed 22,000 people. Last year’s drive raised more than 50,000 meals.

“We’re pleased to continue this tradition each spring to bring the entire university community together to address an important need in the Richmond area,” Reynolds said. “Our food drive also reflects the goals outlined in VCU’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, which calls for the university to become a national model for community engagement and regional impact.”

Peanut butter, canned meats and fish, vegetables and fruits, spaghetti sauce, pasta and rice are especially needed. Volunteers also will collect monetary donations.

“Because one dollar can help feed as many as five people, donations in the form of cash or check will be accepted at all VCU parking decks between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.,” said Reynolds. “Also, the VCU community can donate online by going to https://feedmore.org/donate/campaign-form/vcu-food-drive .”

Monroe Park Campus drop-off sites will operate at the following locations:

• West Broad Street Parking Deck
• Cary Street Parking Deck
• West Main Street Parking Deck
• Jefferson Street Parking Deck
• Commons Convenience (in the University Student Commons)
• Harris Hall Convenience Store
• Cary Street Market & Deli
• Shafer Court Dining Center
• Cary Street Gym
• Laurel Street Parking Deck

MCV Campus drop-off locations are as follows:

• N Parking Deck
• A and I Parking Lots
• D Parking Deck
• Eighth Street Parking Deck
• Main Hospital
• Larrick Student Center

A drive-through drop-off location has been established along West Broad Street at Harrison Street on the Monroe Park Campus from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day to allow members of the community to participate in the food drive.

For more information, contact Kristan Cole at 828-3615 or kmcole@vcu.edu.