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Recognizing that hunger impacts a growing number of Central New York families, the University’s is partnering with the Salvation Army and other local organizations through its Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative to help families access the nutrition they need.

The efforts begin on Monday, Sept. 22, and run through Friday, Oct. 3.

Among the events to combat food insecurity are a campuswide food drive, a fundraiser to benefit the Salvation Army Food Pantry before the Sept. 27 home football game vs. Duke University, and the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser Oct. 3 benefitting more than 70 Onondaga County food pantries through the Interreligious Food Consortium.

“Supporting our community’s food security agencies is more important than ever, and ������ is proud to continue its partnership with the Salvation Army through our annual drive at the JMA Wireless Dome in support of their Emergency Food Pantry,” says Jenny Dombroske, executive director of community engagement.

In August, 16% of the Salvation Army’s Emergency Food Pantry clients were first-time visitors. The food pantry now serves approximately 1,200 people each month. A gift of $25 can help feed a family of four for a day, and every gift made has the power to help combat food insecurity.

“������ holds a prominent place in our community. When community needs are expressed, the University as an institution can answer the call,” says Jake Losowski, associate director of community engagement. “Our giving back makes a difference and helps local organizations meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The events planned during the Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative in which University community members can participate are the following:

• Monday, Sept. 22: Launch of the . Items collected during the Campus Food Drive will be donated to the Westcott Community Center. Food donation bins will be placed at the following locations:
  • Schine Student Center: On the first floor across from the information desk
  • Goldstein Student Center (South Campus): On the first floor across from the information desk
  • Hendricks Chapel: Outside the main entrance
  • Nancy Cantor Warehouse: On the first floor across from the Department of Public Safety office

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  Saturday, Sept. 27: . At locations outside of the JMA Wireless Dome, Salvation Army volunteers will roll out their red kettles and collect monetary donations before the home football game vs. Duke. Every donation made will be matched up to $5,000 by the Hayner Hoyt Corporation.

• Friday, Oct. 3: at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., make a $25 donation, pick out a hand-crafted ceramic bowl and receive a cup of soup. Proceeds benefit the Interreligious Food Consortium, which supports more than 70 food pantries in Onondaga County.

The Food Insecurity Awareness Initiative coincides with the ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations of the Food Bank of Central New York.

For questions about any of the events, contact Losowski at jjlosows@syr.edu or 315.443.4137.