ISU students are extending a helping hand to each other – collecting food that is to be distributed to students who are not able to adequately provide for themselves – during the first ever RSO Food Drive Competition.

The competition that started on Feb. 5 and ends on Friday, has thus far had 15 RSOs participate to accumulate enough food to fill the new pantry located in the Student Government Association’s (SGA) office in Student Services 130, Leah Rolando, student life senator, said.

“Not everyone can afford a meal plan, and paying for school plus nutrition can be a big struggle,” Rolando said.

“We believe it is our responsibility to come up with creative incentives to aid our constituents in helping each other out so that we all benefit in the end.”

The three RSOs that collect the most food will be awarded prizes. 

Antonio Vargas / Photographer ISU students help organize the RSO food drive at the SGA food pantry.

First place will receive a pizza party, a $30 PIP printing certificate and an “SGA given 1st Place Award,” Rolando added.

Second place will receive a $30 PIP printing certificate, an SGA gift basket and a 2nd place certificate. Third place will get an SGA gift basket and 3rd place certificate.

The competition was open to any RSO on campus including Greek Life, Diversity Advocacy and clubs formed around a certain major. “Basically anyone could participate,” Rolando said.

Rolando thinks that this incentive is a great idea to get the campus involved by collaborating and competing for a good cause.

“We hope to continue our progress in making the Spring Food Drive Competition a big deal for organizations to get their name out there and help their fellow students too,” she added.

The food pantry is a new addition to the SGA office and is open to any ISU student in need.

The competition ends and totals will be tallied at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.