The College of Arts and Sciences is holding its fourth annual Day of Service, which engages CAS students, faculty and staff in volunteering to make an impact in the Lincoln area.

According to DATAUSA, there is a 12.5% poverty rate in Lincoln. Additionally, the Salvation Army reports that 14% of Lincoln residents suffer from food insecurity.

The week-long event, which runs Oct. 30-Nov. 3, aims to combat food insecurity through donations to the Husker Pantry and a special volunteering project with the Food Bank of Lincoln on Nov. 3 from 9-11 a.m. For more information on how to participate in any of the events, visit the CAS Day of Service webpage.

The college partners with both the Food Bank of Lincoln and the Husker Food Pantry as they each serve vital niches in the community. Volunteering, item donations and financial support truly make an impact.

The Food Bank of Lincoln often distributes food five days a week, sometimes serving up to three different locations a day. Helping them prepare for distribution allows them to reach the greatest number of people. Financial support has an enormous impact. Just $35 will feed a family of four for almost a week, and $250 will fill a child’s backpack for the entire school year.

Husker Pantry, located at 123 University Health Center, provides free food and personal items to students enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. According to Husker Pantry, one in three Huskers are worried about not having enough food to eat until they get money to buy more. This means there are potentially 8,693 Husker students who experience food insecurity. Such a pervasive and alarming issue calls for action because every Husker deserves to eat and to feel secure. Husker Pantry joined the fight against food insecurity by opening their City Campus location in 2017. By providing these life essentials in a welcoming and friendly environment, Husker Pantry reduces the stigma around food insecurity. To increase their ability to support students, a location on East Campus opened in 2021. Now, over 200 Husker students are served on a weekly basis.

For the week of Oct. 30-Nov. 3, there are donation bins distributed in various CAS buildings. A map and list of the donation drop off sites are available on our CAS Day of Service webpage. Husker Pantry has provided a list of needed items, with high priority needs emphasized. They also have an Amazon wish list, a convenient alternative to the drop-off bins.

“It is rewarding to give back to the community we call home and to support the people we share it with. Join us in the fight against food insecurity and we will do big things,” Mark Button, dean of the college, said.

CAS strives to provide each student with experiential learning opportunities. The CAS Day of Service is an excellent example of a service-oriented experiential learning experience.