Vanderbilt’s Government and Community Relations will partner with One Generation Away and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to host a drive-thru mobile food pantry on the university’s campus on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Faculty, staff and students are invited to volunteer at the event, which will be held in Lot 77, located at the corner of 18th Avenue South and Horton Avenue. Volunteers are asked to report at 7:30 a.m., and no registration is required to volunteer.
The Division of Government and Community Relations has partnered with One Generation Away and Second Harvest Food Bank over the past few years to serve fresh, healthy food to more than 270 neighborhood families annually.
Vanderbilt community members have come together in an effort to eliminate food deserts in low-income neighborhoods. Everyone is invited to volunteer, and past volunteers have included members of the University Staff Advisory Council, Vanderbilt University Police Department, Vanderbilt Woman’s Club, and Next Steps at Vanderbilt.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity for university staff to give back by partnering with amazing local organizations working to provide healthy food options that are not easily accessible in under-resourced neighborhoods,” said Amanda Harding, USAC president. “We want to continue the momentum from this event and find ways to support our neighbors that will be beneficial to their lives.”
Through Vanderbilt’s partnership with One Generation Away, more than 112,209 meals have been distributed to families in need since 2020.
“Our staff members who volunteer in support of community-focused events never cease to show love and generosity,” said Jennifer Bennett, chair of the USAC Events and Community Service Committee. “We all need help from time to time, and we owe a debt of gratitude for their readiness to lend a hand.”
For more information, visit the One Generation Away website.