By: Jamal Smith Sports Editor
As you feast with your family and friends this Thanksgiving, it is important to “give thanks,” but also to think about people that are less fortunate.
According to a 2013 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, 14.3 percent of U.S. households were food insecure.
Also according to the report, 17.5 million households “had difficulty at some time during the year providing enough food for all of their family members due to a lack of resources.”
According to the same USDA report, Oregon’s 15 percent food insecurity rate is even higher than the national average, and the statistics have been climbing over the past three years.
With the Thanksgiving food drive, Western Oregon University is giving you the opportunity to help families in Monmouth and Independence who don’t have the luxury to afford an extravagant Thanksgiving meal.
Any Thanksgiving food items are accepted, such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, cranberry sauce and any other food item; excluding the turkey or any refrigerated or frozen items.
The Thanksgiving food drive is coordinated by the WOU Food Pantry, whose mission statement is “to reduce the dilemma of food insecurity on campus.”
Donations can be dropped off at the WOU Food Pantry located on the second floor of the ASPC building or in a bin located in the front office of the ASPC building.
The WOU Food Pantry accepts donations year round. If you are interested in volunteering for the WOU Food Pantry contact the ASWOU Director of Internal Affairs, at aswou@wou.edu for more information.
