In an effort to combat food insecurity and give back to the community, Sonoma State University will be hosting Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week on campus Feb. 19-23. The campus community organization Join Us Making Progress (JUMP), will be organizing events to help raise awareness and supplies for those in need around Sonoma County.
“These events are vital in raising awareness for food and housing insecurities that many face in our community,” said Casey Elbert, director of human services for JUMP. “The purpose of these events is to get students involved in their community, remove the stigma of hunger and homelessness, and provide education and a chance to reflect on the new information presented.”
Throughout the week, donation bins will be present on the first floor of the Student Center. Members of the campus community can donate from the list of supplies JUMP has provided, which include canned food and new hygiene products such as deodorant, socks and underwear.
Students can also donate hygiene and nonperishable food items to the recently opened Lobo’s Pantry, a food assistance program for students experiencing food insecurity. Located in Zinfandel across the street from the Student Health Center, any student enrolled at Sonoma State is eligible to use the food pantry as often as once a week.
To kick off Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week, on Feb. 19, students can view the documentary titled “A Place at the Table” and create tie blankets, which will be donated to homeless shelters across Sonoma County.
A Hunger Banquet on Feb. 20 will be a unique interactive experience, as students will be shown what it would be like to dine in a third world country.
To close out the week, students will be volunteering at the Redwood Empire Food Bank, on Feb. 21 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.seawolfliving.com/.