Students, faculty and staff across three campuses at the University of Southern Maine delivered a powerful show of support this November, donating a total of 3,954 pounds of food during the month-long SNAP into Action food drive – restocking shelves and reinforcing USM’s commitment to its community.
The effort – led by Sarah Farrugia and Gina Capra – rallied the community in a friendly competition to collect food and essential items for the Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry and Adult Student Success Pantry. USM’s Department of Public Safety came out on top, collecting 463 pounds of donations.
“We didn’t have a specific goal in mind in terms of how much food we hoped to bring in through the drive”, said Gina Capra. “I don’t think any of us anticipated the extensive outpouring of support we have received for the drive, and the sheer amount of food collected, which should carry us through the next few months!”
When SNAP Into Action launched on November 1, it began as a response to uncertainty. Concerns about potential SNAP and EBT payment delays underscore a larger truth: food insecurity remains an ongoing challenge for many in our community.
Top Five Teams:
Donations ranged from canned proteins and pasta to toiletries and cleaning supplies, ensuring that both pantries can continue meeting the daily needs of students, faculty, and staff.
“It has been incredibly heartwarming to see how our community has rallied to support one another during this time. It is a great reminder that even in difficult moments, we are all stronger together.” said Capra. “We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this drive.”
Capra also recognized the enthusiasm of team leads, the USM Foundation’s help in raising nearly $8,000 in monetary support, the University Store’s tote bag fundraiser, and the vital work of student employees who planned and promoted the effort, coordinated campus pick-ups, tracked donations, restocked shelves, and even created meal kits.
Even though the food drive has wrapped up, the work of supporting food access on campus continues year-round. Both pantry teams emphasize the importance of creating a culture where asking for help is welcomed – normalizing the use of campus resources and reducing the stigma that often surrounds food assistance.
USM’s community radio station, WMPG, is also stepping up to support the Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry. The station has released Local Motives #1, a wide-ranging compilation of live recordings from 27 local musicians, available on Bandcamp on a pay-what-you-can basis with a suggested donation of $9.99. All proceeds from the album go directly to the pantry to purchase shelf-stable food, microwaveable meals, and snacks, giving music fans another way to help keep Huskies fed during a time of heightened need.
The Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry (basement of 102 Bedford Street) and the Adult Student Success Pantry (Room 325, Glickman Family Library) remain open to anyone with a University of Maine System ID. Ongoing donations can be made through the USM Foundation’s Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry fund or via the Amazon Wishlist.
For more information, contact:
• Sarah Farrugia, Campus Food Pantry & Food Security Coordinator – campusfoodpantry@maine.edu
• Gina Capra, Director of Adult Student Success – gina.capra@maine.edu | 207-780-4464