Alumni-led Food Drive Supports Student Food Pantry

A scouting food drive, developed last year by Belk College of Business alumnus David McKenzie ‘88, grew even bigger this year, collecting 2,630 pounds of food and $300 in cash and grocery store card donations for UNC Charlotte’s Jamil Niner Student Pantry.

The drive, held on Sept. 18, collected more than double last year’s food donations, with 10 scouting units and 15 UNC Charlotte alumni and students participating.

“The efforts and teamwork of Charlotte alumni and students, scouters and the pantry staff to bring in both food and non-food items will make a huge difference for our Charlotte students who depend on the pantry,” said David McKenzie, who serves as the co-chair of the student engagement committee for the Belk College Alumni Council.

Nick Sulak ‘07 and his business partner, Rob Brendle ‘18, reached out to Niner friends and collected over $800 to purchase some of the highest-need items for the student pantry. They delivered 317 pounds of food and essential items on the morning of the drive.

“This Fall, David McKenzie continued his efforts to support the pantry. He successfully assembled essential food, non-food items, and cash and gift cards” confirmed by Mark Hoover, Donor Experience Officer at UNC Charlotte. “The need for support of the pantry is still at an all-time high. The pantry has served over 600 students just in September.”

Participants included Belk College alumni Nick Sulak ‘07, Rob Brendle ‘18, Christopher Moxley ‘03 and members of the Belk College of Business Alumni Council.

The Jamil Niner Student Pantry provides assistance to UNC Charlotte undergraduate and graduate students who struggle with food insecurity. The Pantry is open for non-perishable goods donations as well as philanthropic support from alumni and the Charlotte community.

View photos of the second annual Scouting Food Drive.