COOKEVILLE – Each year, Tennessee Tech student organizations compete in a series of events during Homecoming week. This year a crowdfunding drive to support the Tech food pantry was among the events.
The Golden Eagle community raised $54, 091, well over the initial goal of $10,000.
“The student organizations involved in the crowdfunding drive for the food pantry went far above expectations to help their fellow students and the campus community with their donations,” said Jerry Keeton, Coordinator for Student Activities and Campus Life. “I am proud to be able to work with incredible student organizations and what they were able to accomplish for the Tennessee Tech Food Pantry.”
The Sigma Chi and Phi Mu team raised the most money over three days, $16,430. While they were the winners of the competition, the true winners are the students and their families who will not have to worry about affording their next meal. The support of the Golden Eagle community continues to help Tech in its mission to eliminate hidden hunger.
“I was in shock. The food pantry manager messaged me about raising $54,000, and I was certain there was a glitch in the system,” said Michelle Huddleston, Associate Director of Student Affairs Service-learning Center. “Keeton and I sat on the phone with no words to say. Our students exceeded expectations!”
Huddleston says the funds raised through the campaign will allow the pantry to better accommodate dietary restrictions and will allow them to continue to provide more healthy options each week. Since the food pantry was created in 2012, they have served more than 1,000 members of the campus community. Huddleston says they consistently serve about 25 people a week now and have served up to 40 people during some weeks.
“Tech has always had a rich tradition of serving others, and I feel like this is something we instill in our students early on,” she said.
To learn more about Tech’s food pantry, to schedule a donation or to receive food, visit https://www.tntech.edu/volunteer/pantry.php.
