The annual Governor’s State Employees Food Drive kicks off Thursday, Feb. 1, offering an opportunity for employees across campus to donate and lift up food insecure Oregonians. Employees are encouraged to donate, particularly if they have never participated before, in an amount that feels appropriate for their personal situation.
When February begins, donations can be made online, either through the special online giving site specific to the drive or by completing the online payroll deduction (Duck ID login required) request form. Funds offer regional food banks flexibility to add resources where they are needed most, such as purchasing most-needed foods quickly or responding after an impactful event like the recent ice storms. The need is greater in Lane County than Oregon at large and was on the rise even before the inclement weather.
“Because many pandemic-era benefits that helped families in poverty expired in March 2023, we're seeing a huge increase in need in our community, as many as 60-75% more visitors to pantries around the county,” said Rebecca Sprinson, director of development at FOOD for Lane County. “We're purchasing food at high rates and trying to make every donated can and box of pasta count.”
This year’s food drive falls on a leap year and the extra day of fundraising on Feb. 29 will be earmarked for one of FOOD for Lane County’s partner pantries, the Student Food Pantry. The Student Food Pantry, which serves the college students in the greater Eugene area, could use additional heavy-duty shelving, carts and a tune-up for their van, which funds raised on this day will aim to supply.
“FOOD for Lane County supports the Student Food Pantry year-round, making culturally diverse and pantry staples available for students,” said Cami Thompson, assistant director of community relations and chair of the food drive. “We’re so excited to use this extra special day, leap day, to improve their operations so they can meet the needs of the student community.”
Last year UO employees donated the equivalent of 162,360 meals during the monthlong drive, supporting FOOD for Lane County and other Oregon regional food banks around the state. The food drive steering committee has set this year’s goal at 130,000 meals, and also hopes to increase participation in the annual food drive.
“We would love to have those who have never given before take part,” said Thompson. “Even small donations can make a big impact if more of us are contributing.”
The Governor’s State Employees Food Drive has been active for over 40 years, and all public agencies and universities are encouraged to participate. Since 1982, the food drive has raised the equivalent of more than 70 million meals for food insecure Oregonians. One of the components of the food drive is the Governor’s Challenge, which bids employees to donate the equivalent of $15 per month.
The food drive runs Feb. 1 to 29. Around the O will publish stories throughout the month highlighting opportunities to get involved. For more information talk to your department’s food drive site coordinator or join the O365_Governor’s Food Drive team in Microsoft Teams. If you aren’t sure if your department has a coordinator, email fooddrive@uoregon.edu to get connected.