CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah Athletics, in partnership with Lin's Fresh Market, successfully hosted this year's food drive to combat food insecurity among SUU students. The Community Engagement Center and the athletics department joined forces to launch the initiative, which ran from Saturday, September 7 to Saturday, September 14. Donations were collected, weighed, and proudly delivered to the SUU Hope Pantry.

Coordinating efforts on behalf of SUU Athletics was Lance Ririe of Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment, the organization responsible for managing corporate sponsorships for Southern Utah Athletics. Ririe played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the food drive and bringing together various campus and community partners to support the cause.

This year, the food drive accomplished a great deal in just one week, collecting a little over 2,000 pounds of food.

Marie Tuite, Deputy Director of Athletics, expressed gratitude for the support, stating:
"Food insecurity is an ongoing challenge for many students, and this food drive will help address some of their immediate needs. We are very grateful to Lin's Fresh Market for playing such a key role in helping SUU Athletics contribute to the HOPE Pantry."

Many university students across the country face food insecurity. The HOPE Pantry, managed by the Community Engagement Center, serves as a critical resource to support students in need. The Hope Pantry helps a significant number of students across campus to  

Pam Branin, Director of the Community Engagement Center, emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying:
"Many SUU students face food insecurity daily. The campus Pantry saw an 83% increase in use last year. Lin's Market and Iron County's remarkable generosity benefits our student population and makes us all proud to be part of this supportive community.  Thank you to Lin's Market for giving back to SUU."

Though the food drive has concluded, those interested in contributing can still support the HOPE Pantry by dropping off non-perishable food donations at Room 120 of the Sharwan Smith Student Center. Some of the more pressing needs include canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, and pasta. 

For more information about the HOPE Pantry and their ongoing efforts, visit www.suu.edu/hope-pantry.

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