The annual Governor’s State Employee Food Drive kicks off this week, and there’s a new goal: win the day by donating more food than the other public universities in the state.

“Ducks care about our neighbors, and we want to demonstrate that with this initiative,” said Matt Roberts, senior director of community relations. “Last year, we came in fifth among Oregon public universities in the food drive, and while the UO donated the equivalent of 89,000 pounds of food, I know we can do better.”

UO students are getting in on the action for the first time this year, placing food barrels in the Erb Memorial Union, accepting donations at fraternity and sorority houses, and selling Euphoria chocolates at select campus locations like the UO Ticket Office.

“No student should have to choose between feeding themselves and doing well in school, and this is the opportunity to help our community,” said Amy Schenk, president of the Associated Students of the UO, who has had food security as the central platform of her presidency. “We must work together as a community to care for those in need.”

Faculty and staff can donate between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28 by signing up for payroll deduction, buying chocolates from area coordinators or dropping food in barrels in their departments. For more information, visit the UO Food Drive Facebook page.