UF is going head-to-head with Florida State University to see who can collect the most canned food donations.
The UF Student Government Greek Affairs Cabinet began collecting donations for the annual Beat FSU – Beat Hunger Food Drive Tuesday at 1 p.m., said Savannah Hardeman, the Greek Affairs Cabinet Director. The drive will continue until Nov. 17, she said.
“Donations go directly to UF’s Field and Fork Pantry, which directly benefits students, faculty and staff who may find themselves in a time of financial instability,” Hardeman said.
The Field and Fork Pantry is open to anyone with a valid Gator 1 Card, regardless of financial background or any other factors, she said.
Donations can be dropped off to the SG table in front of the Field and Fork Pantry, located at 520 Newell Drive, on Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Hardeman said.
Hardeman said the organization is trying to collect items on the pantry’s donation wish list, including canned soup, nuts, cereal, rice and crackers.
Last year, UF beat FSU in the food drive, but this year they are hoping to double the donations received and win by a greater margin, the 20-year-old UF East Asian languages and literature/business administration junior said.
“I see this food drive as an opportunity to get our students involved, while giving back to the student body as a whole,” Hardeman said. “My hope for the Beat FSU – Beat Hunger Food Drive is that it will grow every year, starting this year.”
Katelyn Hernandez, an 18-year-old UF agricultural communications freshman, said she plans to donate to the food drive on Friday.
“It is important to donate because even a small donation can make a big difference for someone in need,” Hernandez said. “As UF students, we should support our fellow Gators.”
