Nan Zhang picks up donations at a food drive at University Village on Nov. 18, 2022. Patrons were able to pick a protein such as beef, chicken or tofu, and an assortment of produce. The MSU Student Organic Farm has provided over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to food-insecure international families through the Student Parent Resource Center this month.
—The MSU Student Organic Farm has provided over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce to food-insecure international families through the Student Parent Resource Center this month.
Student Organic Farm interim director Laurie Thorp said they were able to connect with and give to families in need by partnering with MSU’s RISE program and University Village Apartments – making the initiative a collaborative effort between four MSU entities.
“Many of the families said to us, this was the first fresh produce that they've had since they've gotten here,” Thorp said.
This week, as Thanksgiving approaches, student organizers distributed proteins for the first time. Thanks to over $800 in donations, they were able to provide 53 families with eggs, tofu and chickens.
Event organizer and horticulture freshman Shante Hardaway said she got involved because of her concern for food insecurity.
“It's not just something that happens in highly populated places, it happens here on campus too,” Hardaway said.
Even organizer and horticulture freshman Zander Collins said that students might think about the many MSU international students who travel here with their families.
“(Many are) supporting not only themselves and their own education, but they're also supporting usually two or three kids, and their parents," Collins said.
To solicit donations and make the holiday protein push possible, organizers advertised the effort on social media and directly asked for donations from RISE program alumni.
For Hardaway, the work was worth it.
“If people are celebrating the holidays, a lot of times your main dish is a protein of some sort, so this is a great time to get it to people,” Hardaway said.
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