Students unite to feed the hungry

A canned food drive was conducted by Sigma Alpha Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi, the Golden Key Honor Society and Baruch's Athletics Council from Nov. 5-16. According to Daniel La Mazza, president of Sigma Alpha Delta, the idea for this event originated from within the honor society two semesters ago. He said that "we decided to collaborate because of the willingness of other clubs to participate and because it would increase the cause to feed hunger."

Nicole Lee, president of Golden Key, added that this event is nicknamed the "Big 5 Can Drive" because of the five organizations that worked together, and a reference to "the Big Four" accounting firms.

In addition, La Mazza said that thus far, the canned food drive "has been well received by all participants and the college." He also said that, "our hope is to get more participation from the students and staff in the donations of cans." Roseliny Genao, president of Phi Eta Sigma, agreed. She said, "I think it was very well received. We let a lot of the faculty know that there was a can drive going on". According to Genao, there was also another canned food drive taking place on the second floor, without much of a differentiation. She said that, "there might have been some confusion. [However] as long as there are canned food drives or community service events that give back to the needy in New York City on campus and that there are things being done, that's what counts. We have the manpower; Baruch is home to over 15,000 students. As long as there's something being done, that's what counts."

The food that was collected not only included canned goods, but other non-perishable items, such as packages of pasta and cup-of-noodles. The organizations involved in the "Big 5 Can Drive" have set the expectation of receiving 100 cans of food. As of Nov. 16, 200 cans have been collected. These cans will be sent to City Harvest, a non-profit organization founded in 1982 and New York City's only food rescue program.

City Harvest collects edible food that would have otherwise been thrown away by food businesses and makes it available to those who are hungry. Its website says that, "City Harvest is the link between those who have so much and those who have too little." Their mission is "to end hunger in communities throughout New York City…through food rescue and distribution education, and other practical innovative solutions." This year, City Harvest plans to rescue twenty million pounds of excess foods from all segments of the food industry and deliver it to more than 600 food programs throughout the five boroughs.

The canned food drive was anonymous. Students who wished to participate simply dropped off their items at one of the bins designated for the event on the second floor.

Upon hearing of the "Big 5 Can Drive," freshman Kiara Concepcion replied, "I think that it's wonderful that Baruch is having a can drive, anything to help the poor is wonderful. I think that there should be more drives like this where we can help those in poverty, especially in our society." Freshman David Small held a similar attitude in regard to the event. He said that, "it's a great opportunity for everyone at Baruch to help others."