By Joe Witzke, graduate student, University Student Apartments

Families and students at the University Student Apartments spent the Thanksgiving season serving others. Residents collected enough food and hygiene items to fill a pickup truck to stock University of Utah’s Feed U Pantry.

Most college students can relate to the pressure of end of the semester deadlines. However, not all have to balance school work with the stress of being able to put food on the table. In an effort to support students, faculty, and staff struggling with food insecurity, University Student Apartments and Feed U teamed up for the annual November Food Drive.

“Many of the students here have very little means themselves. It has been obvious that there truly is a spirit of service and compassion that runs through our community,” said University Student Apartments Program Director Rachel Van Tassel.  “We are overwhelmed by the number of residents at University Student Apartments who are willing to provide food for the hungry. We are happy to give and in turn, are so thankful for what Feed U offers to students who are hungry.”

Student families eager to help, braved chilly morning temperatures in order donate non-perishable food items and hygiene products while also enjoying some delicious hot chocolate and donuts. Marking the end of a successful event, the University Student Apartments community watched as a pickup truck filled with donated supplies made its way to the Feed U Pantry.

“The November Food Drive is truly an example of students helping students. Despite many being on tight budgets themselves, University Student Apartments student families found a way to contribute,” Van Tassel continued.

According to the United States Department Agriculture, “An estimated 12.3 percent of American households were food insecure at least some time during the year in 2016, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members.”

Click here to donate to the Feed U Pantry.