15
October
2010
|
14:20 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Final Week to Rock Hunger and Beat Out Neighboring Universities

Final Week to Rock Hunger and Beat Out Neighboring UniversitiesCSUSM is among four local universities competing in the third annual Colleges Rock Hunger Food Drive, a 17-day challenge spanning from October 6-22 to fight hunger and support the San Diego Food Bank, which feeds more than 340,000 needy San Diegans every month.Sponsored by the Hard Rock Hotel, the Colleges Rock Hunger campaign invites San Diego universities to compete against one another by collecting the most nonperishable food. The winning institution is determined by the amount of pounds donated per student. Monetary donations are also accepted, with $1 equating 1 pound of food. This year's participating universities include CSUSM, University of California San Diego, San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego, for a total college-student population of over 74,000."It is really important for us as students to give back to the community," said Megan Carlier, a junior at CSUSM and member of the Campus Activities Board, who is coordinating her campus' effort. "Colleges Rock Hunger is a great way for students to make an impact. Something as little as one can of food or $1 from each student can make a difference in the lives of those who face hunger daily."According to the San Diego Food Bank, of the county's 3.1 million residents more than 483,000 people live at or near the federal poverty level and face the threat of hunger; an astonishing 273,000 are children.At CSUSM, Colleges Rock Hunger is organized by the Campus Activities Board for Associated Students Inc. (ASI) and Carlier and her team are determined to put up a strong fight in the competition. This year, they are partnering with the university's Greek Leadership Council to diversify efforts and encourage students to participate, make a difference in their community, and beat out the competing schools. In addition to multiple bins and collection areas being placed throughout the campus, ASI will be accepting food and monetary donations at several of the university's scheduled Homecoming events, which coincides with the final week of the competition. As an incentive, students who bring a nonperishable item or make a donation at a Homecoming event will be able to "cut the line" for free food, giveaways, preferred seating, or immediate access to games and activities.To increase the university's impact against hunger, CSUSM welcomes local businesses and community organizations to join the fight. The combined donations from all four universities will be the first official donation to the San Diego Food Bank's 2010 Holiday Food Drive. In order to count toward the final totals, all donations must be received by the participating universities no later than Friday, October 22. Collection bins are located in the ASI Business Office, ASI Women's Center, ASI LGBTQ Pride Center, ASI Campus Recreation/The Clarke, Global Connections, UVA, and Student Life & Leadership.