Sodexo and Liberty hold food drive to help food banks

Liberty is constantly looking for different ways to reach out and help the community in the surrounding areas. This year, Sodexo and Liberty have decided to partner together.

Liberty and Sodexo kicked off their contribution to the Blue Ridge and South Side Virginia Food Drive on Oct. 17. Sodexo is accepting any early donations at the Reber-Thomas Dining Hall during their normal operation hours and students can also bring non-perishable food items to convocation Nov. 16, the final day of the food drive.

“Every year Sodexo does a food drive, typically in October,” Sodexo Marketing Manager Julia Pfeifer said.

The Christian Service (CSER) Office was also planning on holding a food drive during the fall semester. After the two organizations discovered that they were holding the same event, they agreed to work together. Both were interested in specifically targeting the south area of the community.

“We’re really excited to partner with the school,” Pfeifer said. “I feel we’ll get even more participation by partnering.”

The timing of this food drive gives students the chance to reflect on how much they have been blessed with in their lives.

“It’s been a tough year across the nation,” Christian Community Service Coordinator Darren Wu said. “As we approach this Thanksgiving season, we have a lot to be thankful for.”

Approximately 12 students have brought in early donations so far. Some of these students have come bearing boxes of non-perishable foods, Pfeifer said. Every donation that is made, no matter what the size, is accepted and greatly appreciated, she said.

“Some kids are bringing in one or two packages of Ramen,” Pfeifer said. “That one package of Ramen can feed somebody.”

Pfeifer and Wu are looking forward to seeing how many participate in this particular effort. Both hope to see many donations from staff, faculty, residential students and commuters over the next few weeks and during the collection at convocation.