VCU to host food drive for Central Virginia Food Bank

Mark Robinson
Assistant News Editor

VCU will hold a university-wide food drive from Tuesday to Thursday on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses in support of the Central Virginia Food Bank.

The drive will collect peanut butter, canned meats and fish, vegetables and fruits, spaghetti sauce, pasta and rice. Money will also be collected.

The food drive will also support Meals on Wheels and Central Virginia Food Bank’s community kitchen programs. Last year, people donated enough money and food for 50,000 meals, a VCU News press release said.

“We’re pleased to continue this tradition each spring to bring the entire university community together to address an important need in the Richmond area,” said Diane Reynolds, VCU Business Services director in a press release.

“Our food drive also reflects the goals outlined in VCU’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, which calls for the university to become a national model for community engagement and regional impact,” she said.

Reynolds started the first food drive in 2009. It raised enough food and money to feed 22,000 people, the release said.

“Because one dollar can help feed as many as five people, donations in the form of cash or check will be accepted at all VCU parking decks between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.,” Reynolds said in the release.

Monroe Park Campus drop-off locations include: West Broad Street Parking Deck, Cary Street Parking Deck, West Main Street Parking Deck, Jefferson Street Parking Deck, Commons Convenience, Harris Hall Convenience Store, Cary Street Market & Deli, Shafer Court Dining Center, and the Cary Street Gym.

Donations and Food can be dropped off on the MCV Campus at the N Parking Deck, A and I parking lots, D Parking Deck, Eighth Street Parking Deck, Main Hospital and the Larrick Student Center.

There will be a drive-through drop-off location near the intersection of West Broad Street and Harrison Street on the Monroe Park Campus from 7:30 to 10 a.m. each day, the release said.

Donations can also be made online.

VCU mascot Rodney Ram will be at the West Broad and Harrison streets drop-off locations between 8:30 and 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and at the Eighth Street Parking Deck on the MCV Campus on Thursday, the release said.