Sticking true to LMU’s commitment to service, LMU’s food pantry teamed up with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to provide a holiday food drive on campus. Students who have access to excess non-perishable food are encouraged to donate in time for winter break and the upcoming holidays.
“We wanted to give a service opportunity to student-athletes on campus,” said Aiden Spagnoli, SAAC Vice Chairperson. “This is the very beginning stages between the relationship with the food pantry and SAAC. [It’s] the building blocks of a relationship we want to put more time into”.
Located adjacent to St. Robert’s Annex, the LMU food pantry is open 24/7 with OneCard access. After being established in 2017, the food pantry has committed to providing free food to any student experiencing food insecurity.
Donation boxes for the holiday food drive were posted outside the athletic training room, the academic center, and at the entrance of the LAC. Nonperishable items such as pasta and canned fruit and vegetables can be donated to the food pantry on campus. Venmo donations are also accepted, with the funds going towards buying non-perishable items for students who do not have the means or time to contribute.
“With it being the holiday season and people on campus or off campus, the food pantry can utilize [donations] to the best of their ability,” said Spagnoli.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is the driver behind the holiday food drive, organizing donation boxes around campus and spreading awareness on social media. “SAAC gathers student-athletes from all sports to advocate for change and rally community involvement,” said Ellie Davis, LMU sophomore and SAAC social media chair. “We work towards giving back to our community as much as possible in many ways, like our food drive.”
Upon donation, SAAC transfers all donated goods to the food pantry to give back to the community. To support the food pantry, non-perishable items can be dropped off at the office in St. Robs or monetary donations via the LMU Giving website.
In addition to LMU, individuals can give back to the Los Angeles community by volunteering or donating to local food pantries.
