On Aug. 30, Old Dominion University will launch its universitywide “Monarchs Give Back” community food drive — an annual initiative that tackles food insecurity in Hampton Roads.
President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., and First Lady Marisela Rosas Hemphill, Ph.D., have challenged students, faculty and community volunteers to collect 40,000 nonperishable items, or equivalent monetary donations, by Oct. 18. Donations will support children in Norfolk Public Schools, students who use the ODU Monarch Pantry and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
This year, donation collection sites have expanded to two locations — ODU main campus at the Monarchs Give Back Headquarters located in 1544 Webb Center and at Old Dominion University’s Eastern Virginia Medical School campus in Waitzer Hall, Hofheimer Hall, Andrews Hall, Lewis Hall, Lester Hall and Williams Hall.
Kara Boone, assistant director for service learning in the Center for Career & Leadership Development, is no stranger to giving back. In her role, she has helped countless students through the Monarch Pantry and initiatives like the Monarch Clothing Closet and Monarch Thrift.
“In managing the Monarch Pantry over the last few years, I have been able to witness first-hand how important and helpful it is to our students,” Boone said.
“All of the items made available through the Pantry are donated, so we could not keep our shelves full year-round without initiatives like Monarchs Give Back. We are so grateful for initiatives like this one and for the support from the community.”
ODU Transportation and Parking Services partnered with the campaign through their “Peanut Butter for Parking” program. Traffic citations can be settled in peanut butter — one ounce of peanut butter is equivalent to one dollar.
According to Boone, last year’s peanut butter donations kept the Monarch Pantry peanut butter shelf full for nearly eight months.
ODU Athletics will also support “Monarchs Give Back” by accepting donations as an entrance fee to designated volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer and field hockey events.
Monetary donations are accepted online. In addition to in-person donations, the Monarch Pantry also accepts donations through its Amazon Wishlist. For questions on how to get involved or to host a donation event, please contact giveback@odu.edu.
Visit the "Monarchs Give Back" website for campaign details and updates.