At move-out time every May since 2008, the department of residence (DOR) partners with United Way of Story County on a food collection drive. At locations in each residence hall and apartment community, students may donate unopened, nonperishable food items for distribution to food pantries in Ames. For example, in 2023, the donations went to the Salvation Army, Mid-Iowa Community Action and the Bethesda Food Pantry.
This spring was notable in two ways: Students donated 2,553 pounds of food -- nearly doubling last year's total -- and their donations stayed on campus. The food donated at moveout went to The SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers), the food pantry in Beyer Hall run by students for students.
"They made a huge difference in helping their fellow students with food insecurity," said Dave Garsow, coordinator of residence life and lead for the food donation moveout program. "Helping others is what it means to be a Cyclone, and everyone involved should be very proud."
Thanks in part to the DOR's donation, the United Way of Story County collected more than 20,000 pounds of food for just the second time in the spring food drive history.
"The large amount received went a long way for our pantry users," said April Lopez, food security and basic needs specialist for Student Wellness. "It's great to see how our students come together to support each other."
