The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is excited for the fifth annual Day of Service, which engages CAS students, faculty, and staff in volunteering to make an impact in the Lincoln area.
The week-long event, which runs from November 11 to 15, aims to combat food insecurity through donations to the Husker Pantry and a special volunteering project with the Food Bank of Lincoln on November 14 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
According to DATAUSA, there is a 12.8% poverty rate in Lincoln, Nebraska. Additionally, the Salvation Army reports that 14% of our Lincoln residents suffer from food insecurity.
“It is rewarding to give back to the community we call home and to support the people we share it with," Mark Button, dean of CAS, said. "Join us in the fight against food insecurity and we will do big things.”
The college partners with Husker Pantry to reach campus and the Food Bank of Lincoln to reach the Lincoln community.
Husker Pantry provides free food and personal items to students enrolled at the university. One in three Husker students are worried about not having enough food to eat—potentially over 1,300 in CAS alone this semester. Such a pervasive and alarming issue calls for action so that every Husker can eat and feel secure.
Husker Pantry joined the fight against food insecurity by opening their City Campus location in 2017. Providing life essentials in a welcoming and friendly environment reduces the stigma around food insecurity. Over 200 Husker students are served on a weekly basis.
The Food Bank of Lincoln often distributes food five days a week, sometimes serving up to three different locations a day. Helping them prepare for distribution allows them to reach the greatest number of people. Financial support also has an enormous impact. $35 feeds a family of four for almost a week, and $250 fills a child’s backpack for the entire school year.
Volunteering, item donations, and financial support truly make an impact. Your help is needed—here’s how to join the fight:
- Donation bins for Husker Pantry are in eight CAS buildings during the week—view a map and list of the donation drop off sites online. They have provided a list of items needed, with high priority needs emphasized.
- Husker Pantry's Amazon wish list is also available.
- Volunteer with our group of students, staff, and faculty at the Food Bank of Lincoln’s Hunger Solution Center on November 14 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Find out more or sign up to participate on the CAS Day of Service webpage.
CAS is ready for a fifth year of engaging faculty, staff, and students in impacting the community through volunteerism and donation.
For students seeking a service opportunity—which we encourage as part of experiential learning—CAS Day of Service is a chance to join us to combat food insecurity.
