A Clemson sorority is exploring new ways to expand its philanthropic outreach.
Clemson University’s Alpha Phi chapter is partnering with Meals to Missions to pack and deliver meals for children and families in need.
Meals to Missions is a nonprofit fundraising partner to other charitable organizations, schools, clubs and teams, helping to raise money by engaging supporters in a mission experience with both local and global impact. The money raised is then used to fund the packing of the meals, according to the Meals to Missions website.
Upon packing and delivery, the meals will be delivered to organizations such as Clemson Paw Pantry, The Nook and Clemson Community Care. Additionally, a portion of those meals will be delivered to communities in South Africa.
Lauren Ofgant, one of Alpha Phi’s communications captains for the Meals to Missions campaign, spoke with The Tiger about the event and how this is the first time the sorority has worked with Meals to Missions.
“We have two big philanthropy events in the spring – Red Dress Gala and Alpha Phifa (soccer tournament) – so our Philanthropy leader, Eva Kanchuger, wanted to add a fall event to strengthen our philanthropy year-round,” Ofgant told The Tiger.
She said that the chapter plans to make the event happen annually, with the intention of raising more money each year. The event has already raised over $122,000 so far, making Clemson’s chapter the second-largest fundraising Alpha Phi chapter in the country.
When asked about the mission’s impact, Ofgant said that Meals to Missions will affect Clemson in “an immediate, tangible way,” and that their goal is to have “10,000 meals packed by our own members and delivered” to the organizations listed above.
The sorority’s ultimate goal is to serve “Clemson students and families right in our own backyard,” Ofgant said. “Additionally, we will be making an impact globally by delivering a portion of these meals to communities in South Africa, where access to consistent, nutritious food is extremely limited.”
Ofgant added that the partnership with Meals to Missions will help spread awareness for food security on Clemson’s campus and make this issue more real and present to students. She added that “College students face food insecurity at much higher levels than people realize, and the need in the Clemson community is much greater than most students are aware of. Our goal is to make it visible.”
Another student in Alpha Phi also expressed her feelings about working with the Meals to Missions campaign.
“Being a part of this mission is so meaningful to me because it shows the impact we have the ability to make right here from our own campus! I’m most excited to serve others with my best friends by my side,” AveryBeth Samuel, a junior management major, told The Tiger in an interview.
“From fundraising across our community to being able to physically pack the meals ourselves, this entire process is truly so special,” Samuel continued.
Ofgant added that Alpha Phi’s hope is to make sure every student leaves the event understanding the privilege of having access to meals and knowing that they have the ability to make a difference.
