MCCC To Host Holiday Food Drive for The Pantry at MCCC
12/9/25
Mercer basketball will be hosting a Pantry Holiday Food Drive at its final home basketball games of 2025. Fans attending MCCC women’s and men’s basketball games vs Union on December 16th are asked to bring items to the games that will be donated to The Pantry at Mercer County Community College.
The Pantry at MCCC is available at both campuses to help those who are food insecure. Food insecurity means that a person does not have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food to maintain good health. Research has found that half of community college students are food insecure.
The Pantry breaks down its need into different categories. Breakfast items being collected include oatmeal, instant grits, cereal, granola and fruit bars can be used. Snacks that can be donated include popcorn, crackers, cookies, pretzels, chips, Jell-O and pudding cups.
Pop-top soups, ramen and noodle bowls and cup of noodles can be donated. Starches that can be donated include mac & cheese, pasta, rice, quinoa and microwavable meals and sides. Fruits and vegetables that are being collected include applesauce, fruit cups, canned fruit and vegetables, dried fruits, tomato sauces and grape jelly. Protein donations that are sought include peanut butter, beans, trail mix, seeds, canned tuna/ salmon/chicken, pop-top microwavable meals and Chef Boyardee cans and meals.
Drinks are also being collected by The Pantry including water (16 oz-1 liter), juice boxes/bottles, Powerade/Gatorade, and Vitamin Water. The Pantry also collects non-food items including toiletries: soap, dental and deodorant, etc. and feminine products (pads, tampons).
Please note that the following items can not be donated: perishable, glass, bulk, damaged or expired items.
Erin Cahill-Wetzel, Senior Women’s Administrator worked with Jodi Marra, Food Pantry Coordinator to organize the drive. “The holidays are the season of giving so it seemed like a good time to try to put this drive together” said Cahill-Wetzel. “I was trying to figure out where to donate and realized we have a need right here at MCCC. I reached out to Jodi to see if we can donate to the Pantry and I’m glad we will be able to help some of our own students who may struggle with food insecurity.” Although the students will be on a break until the second semester starts, Marra is excited that the pantry can be restocked for the new year. “This collection can be saved and used when the second semester begins, which will work out well when the students return to campus.”
Teamwork is important on the courts and fields, but off it as well. Let’s come together to fight food insecurity and support The Pantry at MCCC,
For more on The Pantry at MCCC visit: https://www.mccc.edu/pantry.shtml
For the latest on MCCC basketball visit: https://www.mccc.edu/athletics_home.shtml
