The food pantry operated by the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance has continued to experience a high demand. On a monthly basis, the Campus Food Pantry services more than 250 students and spends upwards of $800 per week on groceries to fight student food insecurity.

The Alumni Association is working to address the need. As part of its Alumni Cares program, the association will host a food drive to benefit the Campus Food Pantry from Monday to Friday, Nov. 27 to Dec. 1. The drive encourages faculty, staff, and the campus community to collect donations at their offices and includes an in-person Drive ’N’ Drop on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the Vanier Circle.

The Drive ’N’ Drop will provide an opportunity for members of campus and the greater Windsor-Essex community to contribute non-perishable food or personal care items. Volunteers from the Alumni Association and the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance will be on hand to receive donations; donors will not even have to leave their vehicles.

To facilitate drop-offs on Nov. 28 before and after work, the collection will be staffed from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. There will also be a collection box at the Alumni Relations office in the Stephen and Vicki Adams Welcome Centre and at the Campus Food Pantry in the CAW Student Centre throughout the week.

These items are in greatest demand:

• Beans, lentils, legumes (canned or dry)
• Pasta
• Bread
• Canned vegetables and soups
• Tomato or pasta sauce
• Oatmeal
• Other high protein and nutrient dense foods
• Personal hygiene and care items

For those unable to donate non-perishable goods, the Alumni Association has created an online donation page and has committed to matching up to $1,500 in donations received from the community.