The annual Governor’s State Employees Food Drive continues throughout March.
The statewide event is a fantastic opportunity for University of Oregon employees to support the basic nutrition needs of their fellow Oregonians.
All UO employees are encouraged to donate, particularly if they have never participated before, in an amount that feels appropriate for their personal situation.
The UO is partnering with Food for Lane County to ensure that all monetary and food donations go to people in need right here in our community.
Throughout March, donations can be made online, either through the special online donation link specific to the drive or by completing the online payroll deduction (Duck ID login required) request form.
Cans and other shelf stable items may be dropped off to Food for Lane County bins located in the Lillis lobby, the O Desk in the Erb Memorial Union and in the lobby of the UO Rec Center.
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 such as winter storms or wildfires.
“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 percent 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.”
“The food drive is going well so far, but we know we can do better,” said Sandy Weintraub, one of the event organizers. “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 March 1 to 31.
Workplace will publish stories throughout the month highlighting opportunities to get involved. Email fooddrive@uoregon.edu to get connected.