The 18th annual Can Emporia food drive is in full swing, igniting the friendly rivalry between Washburn University and Emporia State University.
The annual food drive competition, which runs from Sept. 3 through Oct. 18, pushes each university to collect as many donations as possible for local food pantries, and whichever university collects the most donations will get to throw a pie at the opposing school’s student body president.
This year, all donations will be specifically benefiting Washburn’s on-campus pantry, Bods Feeding Bods. There are multiple ways for students and community members to donate. Donations can be made online through a secure portal, where every dollar counts as three cans of food. Physical donations can be dropped off in a giant red soup can by the Union Corner Store, in the WSGA office or given to students and WSGA staff wearing Can Emporia merchandise.
This year, the pantry is also asking for school supplies and hygiene products in addition to food, and students can even use their dining dollars to buy and donate items.
The competition, however, is about more than who collects the most items. Bella Wood, senior WSGA vice president, explained how the event brings the community together to support those in need.
“While there’s a competitive aspect, the main goal is to ensure our food pantry has enough supplies to meet student needs,” Wood said. “We want students to feel secure and focus on their studies, rather than worrying about running out of essentials.”
While donating cans can be effective, Dante Jordan, WSGA campus and community affairs director, emphasized the importance of monetary donations, which can be more effective than physical items.
“Organizations can use the funds to buy exactly what they need,” Jordan said.
Molly Steffes-Herman, associate director of council and advocacy and director of Bods Feeding Bods, shared that the pantry has become a crucial resource for students facing food insecurity, and having it on campus makes it easy to access.
“Having access to food right on campus makes a huge difference,” Steffes-Herman said. “The pantry provides a sense of security, so they know they won’t have to go hungry. Transportation can be a barrier for many students, so the convenience of a campus pantry is vital.”
Steffes-Herman also noted that the pantry’s easy access, requiring only a name and student ID number, removes many of the hurdles that might prevent students from seeking help. This approach has created a sense of community among users and supporters of the pantry.
“We’ve seen students who once relied on the pantry now giving back to it, creating a positive cycle of support,” Steffes-Herman said.
The cut-off date for donations is Oct. 18 and the winner of Can Emporia will be announced during the Oct. 26 volleyball game between Washburn and Emporia.
Edited by Morgan Albrecht and Jeremy Ford
