Annual Social Sciences Food Drive has another record-breaking year

The McMaster community showed its generous spirit over the holidays, raising more than $14,000 and collecting 1,400 pounds of food through the annual Social Sciences Food Drive.

The total surpasses last year’s $10,000 and marks another record-breaking year for the campaign, which supports Hamilton Food Share.

For the second year in a row, the coveted trophy for most donations collected went to the department of economics.

Emma Beamson, undergraduate administrative assistant in the department of economics, said that while the team was proud to win, the real goal is supporting the community.

“The Food Drive always brings out the friendliest rivalry between departments,” she said. “We cheer each other on while quietly checking how many boxes everyone else has collected and the totals posted to their online fund pages.

“It’s all in good fun, and it pushes us to work even harder. In the end, it’s all about giving back to our community.”

Beamson kept the department updated weekly, encouraging both online and in-person donations. This year, they added a three-foot thermometer display to track progress toward their goal, keeping staff engaged as the total steadily climbed past their target.

More than 20 teams from across campus took part in the drive, helping set a new record. Carly Longley, undergraduate administrative assistant for the department of anthropology and part of the organizing team for the food drive, thanked all participants in their role in this year’s success.

“It was amazing to see the campus community come out and support the food drive, which makes such a meaningful impact in the community, especially during a time when so many are experiencing food insecurity,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next year!”