Old Dominion University’s annual “Monarchs Give Back” community food drive raised 73,189 nonperishable items, including over $11,000 in cash donations, to benefit Norfolk Public Schools, the ODU Monarch Pantry and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

This year’s efforts far exceeded the 40,000-item goal set by ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., and First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill. Ph.D. The University recognized individual students, faculty, staff, departments, alumni and community partners at a celebration event during Homecoming on Oct. 18 in the Mitchum Basketball Performance Center.

“As this initiative continues to evolve, I cannot wait to see all of the great things we will do together as active and committed Monarchs,” First Lady Hemphill said during the event. “My family and I could not be more proud to be Monarchs – today and every day!”

The following individuals and groups were recognized during the event:

  • Outstanding Student Organization: Indian Student Association, which collected over 500 items;
  • Outstanding Student Volunteer: Jada Cromartie, a sophomore in Fashion Merchandising, who volunteered at the new Monarchs Give Back Headquarters in Webb Student Center;
  • Outstanding Employee Volunteers: Amy Lynch (Athletics) and Virginia Hilton (Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University);
  • Alumni Chapter Challenge Winner: Atlanta Alumni Chapter with Peninsula Alumni Chapter as runner-up;
  • Community Partner of the Year: Aramark, for their continued support; and
  • President’s Challenge Winner: The Division of Research and Economic Development with 15,195 items collected and the Division of Human Resources, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as runner-up.

This year saw expanded collection efforts, with donation sites not only on ODU’s main campus, but also on the Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University campus, making it easier than ever for students, faculty and the wider community to contribute. The new Monarchs Give Back Headquarters in Webb Student Center also served as a central hub for collection.

ODU Transportation and Parking Services joined the cause with their “Peanut Butter for Parking” initiative, allowing individuals to settle traffic citations by donating peanut butter – one ounce for every dollar owed. In addition, ODU Athletics encouraged fans to support the food drive by accepting donations as entry to select volleyball, soccer and field hockey events.

To reach those who could not donate in person, an online donation system and an Amazon Wishlist for the Monarch Pantry were set-up.

Visit the "Monarchs Give Back" website to learn more about the initiative.