The Florida State University (FSU) campus and the greater Tallahassee community are experiencing an epidemic of food insecurity. In Leon County, over 73 percent of the population is eligible for Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to Feeding America.
The first step in combating food insecurity is recognizing the issue. The second step is to become active in the community and try to do something. The Gamma Beta chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta contributes to the philanthropic work in the community by serving meals at the Kearney Center, working at Lott’s Community Garden, growing fresh vegetables and donating the harvest with Sustainable Campus, hosting food drives and raising money at the annual Alpha Gamma Delta Diner event.
Once a year, the sorority hosts the Alpha Gamma Delta Diner event. This event is dedicated to fundraising for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation. The foundation directly supports women’s education and the sorority’s greater philanthropic focus of fighting hunger. The foundation directly funds Fighting Hunger Grants, which provides grants to non-profit organizations that fight hunger in local communities. These organizations include, but are not limited to, local food pantries, food banks, meal assistance programs for children, families, seniors and more. The foundation places special emphasis on aiding the International Fighting Hunger Partners: Meals on Wheels and Feeding America. The Gamma Beta chapter is also able to allocate some of the foundation’s funds for local food pantries in Tallahassee. As of 2022, the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation has awarded $1.27 million in grants in the fight against hunger.
Jordan Brennan, the Vice President of Philanthropy for Alpha Gam, explained, “It is cool to know that our event contributes to something so much larger than ourselves. I think the foundation is such an impactful view of sisterhood and women working together.” She went on to explain that chapters across the United States and Canada help raise money for this important cause, and with teamwork and dedication, the members of each chapter can do so much for their communities.
This sorority’s passion for service is inspiring. If you are interested in helping fund this effort, you should attend the upcoming Alpha Gamma Delta Diner event on March 27, starting at 5:30 p.m. The house will be decorated like a Route 66 Diner. There will be a DJ playing music, mingling and people having a lot of fun. Last semester, Alpha Gam even hosted a few local businesses at their philanthropy event. Many sisters look forward to this event all year because of the ice cream floats and dancing on the back porch with friends, all for a good cause.
The event will be more than just a party though. “We have an information station discussing food insecurity with some facts and statistics to help educate [our guests]. We will also have a food drive for the Food For Thought Pantry where guests can donate goods!” describes Jordyn Johnson, Alpha Gam’s Director of Community Outreach and Engagement.
You can get your tickets for the event using Crowdchange! Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door (517 W. Park Ave). Tickets to this event will include a meal with chicken tenders, fries and your choice of a coke or root beer float! This is your chance to eat a yummy meal and have fun while also making a difference. Your contribution can combat food insecurity in our community.
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!