IUP students assist with collecting nonperishables and toiletries for Stuff the VanAs part of Hunger Awareness Week, students from the Seedling Project and Department of Sociology collected nonperishable food items and toiletries and “stuffed the van” with 10 large boxes of donations for local Indiana County food pantries.

Other events included a garden hat sale that raised $300, a poverty simulation attended by 80 participants, and a film screening.

On Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9, volunteers will be distributing seedlings to 135 individuals and providing them supplies to grow and produce their own food at home.

University partners for The Seedling Project and Hunger Awareness Week are the Sociology, Food and Nutrition, and Anthropology departments, with faculty direction from Melissa Swauger and Melanie Hildebrandt. Community partners include the Indiana Community Gardens, ICCAP, Zion Lutheran Church, Trinity Methodist Church, Church of the Brethren, Unity Family Services, and the Chevy Chase Community Center.

Photo information: Selena Gonzales West and Darrell Cameron at Stuff the Van.