Southern Illinois University Carbondale hosts Thanks ‘Giving Back’ Food Drive

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting their annual Thanks Giving Back Food Drive.

Kent Epplin is the director of the Student Center for the university, he’s a part of the original group who brought the food pantry together, “I’ve seen the great need that actually calls for the students here at SIU for the food pantry, it’s kind of forgotten individuals that think students show up on campus and they have the resources they need. But food insecurities are as prevalent here at SIU as it is at other college campuses.” Says, Epplin.

The Thanks “Giving Back” campus food drive offers the opportunity to assist Southern Illinois University Carbondale students who need a little help with their grocery budget.

He says, “Students here at SIU this semester then normal and we’ve noticed a great decrease in supplies then we have in the food pantry.”

All donations go to the Saluki Food Pantry, which has served thousands of students and their families since opening its doors in August 2016.

“I think it’s important for giving back to the community simply for neighbor’s helping neighbors.” Says, Emily Spann who is the associate director for the Student Center, who has helped with gathering donations for the food pantry.

“Today we’ll probably have about 300 items, that will be donated throughout the course of the day.”

Spann says donations can be made anytime, year-round with much appreciation.

The food drive is being held in Carbondale, at the Student Center from 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28.