As a part of De-Stress Week, the UNMC Omaha campus will be hosting a drive-thru food drive for the Maverick Food Pantry on Friday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the parking cut-out on the north side of the Davis Global Center. Those who donate will receive a holiday treat in return (while supplies last).
The Maverick Food Pantry contributes to the university’s culture of caring by providing those within the UNMC and UNO communities with food and personal hygiene products and connections to other area resources for support.
On average, the Maverick Food Pantry fills 400 bags during the fall semester. As of last week, the pantry had filled 530 bags for the semester and still had more requests coming in.
“Food insecurity has always been a concern in our community. With the added challenges of COVID-19, we find more students and staff are struggling, and so in return we’ve seen an increase in our requests,” said Madeline St. Clair, Maverick Food Pantry coordinator. “The Maverick Food Pantry struggles with both purchasing restrictions and keeping our inventory stocked while our usage increases. So any donations we receive truly makes a difference and helps us to continue our commitment of serving everyone we can.”
A list of preferred donations can be found below (please ensure donations are not expired):
- Peanut butter;
- Beans;
- Canned fruits;
- Canned vegetables;
- Grains (rice, pasta, cereal are the top three); and
- Pasta sauce.
Individuals who would like to donate but do not have a car on campus can walk their donations up to staff during the food drive.