March 17 is a widely celebrated holiday that involves the color green, symbols of luck and for many, a festive meal. If you are partaking in these traditions, consider for a moment how fortunate you are — food not just as a means of sustenance but for an optional, light-hearted occasion. On a day with luck on the mind, consider paying this good luck forward and donating to the UO Governor’s Food Drive.
This is also the last week of winter term. If you’re away from the office next week, make sure to knock “donate to the food drive” off your to-do list before you leave.
An easy way to do this is to opt-in to donate via payroll deduction. University of Oregon employees can set up a monthly deduction by filling out an online form. For the price of your daily coffee drink or lunch, you can make a difference in someone’s day.
At the drive’s halfway point, payroll deduction donations add up to the equivalent of over 48,000 meals but more is needed.
“Food for Lane County is feeling the impacts of a reduction in support from the USDA, totaling almost 20 percent of our yearly supply. This comes at a time when more and more neighbors are turning to us for food assistance. That makes your donations more needed, and more appreciated, than ever,” said Rebecca Sprinson, Food for Lane County director of development and communications.
—Jennifer Archer, University Communications
—Top photo: Food for Lane County volunteers sort food into boxes that will be given to local community members.