SUU Athletics And Lin’s Fresh Market Partner For Successful Food Drive
Southern Utah University (SUU) Athletics, in partnership with Lin's Fresh Market, recently wrapped up a successful food drive aimed at combating food insecurity among SUU students. Running from September 7 to September 14, the initiative was a collaborative effort involving the university's Community Engagement Center and the athletics department. By the end of the drive, over 2,000 pounds of food had been collected and delivered to the SUU HOPE Pantry, which helps students struggling with food access.
Lance Ririe of Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment, the organization managing corporate sponsorships for SUU Athletics, coordinated the effort on behalf of SUU Athletics. Ririe’s leadership helped bring together campus and community partners, making the food drive a success.
Marie Tuite, Deputy Director of Athletics, highlighted the importance of the drive, noting in a press release,
Food insecurity is an ongoing challenge for many students, and this food drive will help address some of their immediate needs. We are very grateful to Lin's Fresh Market for playing such a key role in helping SUU Athletics contribute to the HOPE Pantry.
Pam Branin, Director of the Community Engagement Center, emphasized how critical this initiative was for students, explaining that the HOPE Pantry saw an 83% increase in usage last year. She added,
Lin's Market and Iron County's remarkable generosity benefits our student population and makes us all proud to be part of this supportive community.
Though the food drive has ended, those looking to help can still contribute by dropping off non-perishable food items at Room 120 of the Sharwan Smith Student Center. Items in high demand include canned meats, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, and pasta, all of which will continue to make a difference in the lives of SUU students.
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