In a time of increasing community need, the University of Oregon’s workforce came together in February to support the annual state employee’s food drive, donating the equivalent of 87,894 meals.

Between payroll deductions and an online giving website for the drive, UO employees donated $29,148 in funds and collected another 600 pounds of nonperishable food. Most donations go to the regional food bank partner for the Eugene campus, Food for Lane County, though employees could allocate their donation to another Oregon Food Bank Network partner through payroll deductions. 

Departments from around campus participated in this year’s drive, each represented by at least one volunteer food drive coordinator. These departmental coordinators set up fundraising opportunities for their colleagues and did outreach to educate coworkers about the stark need for food and funds in Lane County and across the state. 

“We have a small steering committee that sets the goal for the drive each year and plans the parameters, but the departmental coordinators are the ones who get us there,” said Sandy Weintraub, one of the food drive coordinators. “Their commitment and passion for the food drive is what made it a success.”

The Governor’s State Employees Food Drive was founded in 1982, when then-Governor Vic Atiyeh saw that state employees have a role to play in supporting those in the community who need help. Since then, Oregon state employees have provided more than 70 million meals.

UO will participate in the next Governor’s State Employees Food Drive in February 2026. Employees who are interested in serving as a departmental coordinator or on the steering committee, please get in touch with fooddrive@uoregon.edu.

—Top photo: A winning entry from the Dough for Ducks Bake Off, one of the onsite department fundraising events.