Donation drive for students collecting now

For the entire month of February, MHCC’s Associated Student Government (ASMHCC) is holding a competitive food drive to help students in need.

Despite being called a “food drive,” contributors can also donate various hygiene items (see information on what and how to donate below).

The food drive is interdepartmental, meaning donations are collected, then delivered, by MHCC study departments for the prize. At the end of the month, all the departments’ donated items will be weighed to determine the winner of the competition, to be awarded a trophy. Students may also donate directly to the Student Union (AC1051).

Why should you donate? Many of MHCC’s students are low-income and struggle to make ends meet. These students will not always have food on their tables or necessary hygiene items for personal health. Below is a quick snapshot of MHCC students’ financial needs (as of 2019-20).

55% of students applied for financial aid, but only 31% received aid

32% of FAFSA filers could not fully afford college after financial aid

30% of applicable students received a Pell Grant

16% of undergraduates had federal student loans

Barney’s Pantry

All donated items go to Barney’s Pantry, but what is that? Barney’s Pantry is an emergency food pantry created by students for students in need. According to its webpage, the pantry’s mission is

to “assist Mt. Hood Community College students in reaching their educational goals by providing emergency food services, education, and resources.”

The pantry gives out various food and hygiene items. It also offers basic school supplies. For more information on the food pantry or to request items from the pantry, visit https://www.mhcc.edu/BarneysPantry/.

Donating

Interested in donating to the food drive? You can find a non-exhaustive list of donatable items at https://25livepub.collegenet.com/calendars/main-mhcc2?eventid=779065763. If you have questions about donating to the food drive, you can visit the ASMHCC office in the Student Union (AC1051) or email [email protected] (may be slow to respond).