VALDOSTA — More than 35 million people in the U.S. are affected by hunger each day. On Wednesday, Valdosta State University students joined 540 university campuses across the country in an effort to eliminate hunger while attempting to set a new Guinness World Record.
VSU partnered with Sodexho Campus Services, which operates VSU’s campus dining, in an effort to be a part of the challenge to set a new record for the “largest food drive by a non charitable organization in a 24 hour period.” The current record is 221,028 pounds and was set last year.
This one-day event, which is the highlight of a week-long food drive, brought campus organizations together at Palms Quad to see who can build the biggest and best work of art using the cans of food collected. All of the food collected will go to America’s Second Harvest Food Bank.
The Delta Sigma Theta sorority was one of four Greek organizations that participated in the Can Challenge.
“It is a very good cause. Any time the community seeks help we look forward to helping,” Delta Sigma Theta member, Tajuanna Jones said. “The sorority is based on community service and we are always looking for ways to help.”
Community Service Chair, Tremesa Parris, said that the organization had collected more than 35 cans before the Can Challenge. Cans were brought in by sorority sisters, boxes left in dorms and students are asked to bring canned food to the upcoming educational forum.
The group decided to show their spirit at the Can Challenge by arranging their cans into their Greek letters.
Tamela Myers, volunteer services director for America’s Second Harvest Food Bank, stated that donations are always in high demand during the winter months and in anticipation of the holiday season.
“We always see an increased need with medical expenses and heating bills, there is always a greater need during the winter months and with the holidays we always want to make sure everyone has food to eat,” Myers said.
The Food Bank has already placed an order for 6,000 turkeys to be available during the holidays and next week pre-packaged boxes of food will be distributed to area senior citizens.
In 2006, with assistance for area volunteers and community food drives, the Food Bank was able to serve 480,642 people through 337 agencies. Food distributed last year totaled 8.2 million pounds and more than $13.8 million.
For information on how to donate to the VSU food drive call Campus Dining Services at 229-333-7146. For information on volunteer opportunities with America’s Second Harvest call 229-244-2678.
Local News
Related Photos
-
VSU student Tremesa Parris, representing the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, builds a can food pyramid during the Cans Across Valdosta event at the campus Wednesday.
Discussion
A race to fight hunger
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
- More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
