Every year the Sinclair Thanksgiving Meal Drive is held where students can receive food if they are struggling to put some on their table. This event was presented at a Sinclair Talks event where the issue of students being hungry on campus and how to assist them was addressed.
The Sinclair Meal Drive came into existence about a year ago.
‘‘We began this project last year as a way to help brighten the holidays for students who are facing food insecurity challenges,’’ said Matt Massie, Ph.D., who is a manager at Sinclair’s Student and Community Engagement department. ‘‘The first year of this project was also during the height of the pandemic and this was a way for our campus to unite around a very worthwhile project.’’
A large number of Sinclair’s staff are expected to participate in the event.
‘‘A project like this has many parts and requires a variety of volunteers,” said Massie. “From those who donate items to those who help prepare and pack meal kits for students, there will be over 120 faculty and staff volunteers involved in this project.”
Despite the pandemic, Massie and his department refused to let that deter their work.
‘‘The pandemic seems to have affected everything we do but it has not stopped us from serving students,’’ said Massie. ‘‘It has certainly made things more complicated, and we take more precautions to keep everyone safe, but we are excited to be able to provide these for our students.’’
When it comes to achieving a goal for this year, Massie has one in mind.
‘‘I hope that our efforts increase awareness around food insecurity and the challenges that students face when they don’t have access to enough food for themselves and their families,’’ said Massie. ‘‘I also hope that this project helps connect more students to the Sinclair food pantry where they can receive access to a variety of food, as well as additional support.’’
If people are wondering about donating, the organization typically doesn’t ask for donations.
‘‘We don’t actively ask students to donate money to this project, but any student is welcome to do so if they are in a financial position that allows them to do so,’’ said Massie. ‘‘Anyone that is interested in donating can donate through the Sinclair Foundation in any dollar amount that is appropriate for their circumstances.’’
When it comes to the potential number of Sinclair students who may be facing hunger, Massie suspects that it is high.
‘‘Sinclair recently participated in a national project called the #RealCollege survey that surveyed our students about issues surrounding hunger, homelessness, and other basic need issues,’’ said Massie. “This survey showed that over 35% of Sinclair students who responded stated that they had faced issues with hunger. Unfortunately, that number may be even higher since students who are facing the most significant issues and challenges in their lives may not have time or the ability to participate in that survey.’’
Every student gets the same type of food for the Meal Drive, food like corn, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and much more fill the meal boxes. To learn about food and other assistance programs like the Sinclair Meal Drive, go to: https://www.sinclair.edu/student-life/wellness/resources/
Jamario Brown-Tolliver
Intern