With the backdrop of a recent delay in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Civic and Global Engagement collected nonperishable food items to stock the Knights Resource Pantry from Nov. 17 to 20, with overflow to be donated to the Jenkintown Food Cupboard. In the end, the drive collected 365 pounds of food.

The food drive culminated in an event called Pie It Forward in the University Commons on Nov. 20. Hosted by Residence Life and the Student Government Organization (SGO), the event encouraged food donations by awarding guests with a raffle ticket for each item donated, which then could be used for a chance to “pie” a student leader or a faculty or staff member.

“Although the program was conceptualized before millions lost their SNAP benefits, the [resident assistants] and I understood the significance of this issue and the growing challenges around food insecurity,” explained Residence Life Coordinator Kaitlyn Callaghan ’23, ’25M. “Their goal was to create a space where the campus community could come together, have fun, and make a real difference to those affected, both with The Pantry and The Jenkintown Food Cupboard.”

Resident assistants (RAs) have been planning this event since the beginning of the semester and looking for opportunities to involve the community in an engaging and impactful activity.

“The food pantry is so important, it’s my main source,” said RA Adrianna Watkins ’26. “With everything going on in the world, we need some sort of support and community, so having people come and donate and understand it’s for a good cause is great.”

Among the students, staff, and faculty clad in plastic covers and shaving cream was Student Government Organization President Carter Mostecki ’28 (left), who graciously sat as one by one, students threw shaving cream pies at his face.

“I think [this event] is really important. It gets a lot of people to come out and be engaged, it gets a lot of people to meet each other for the first time,” Mostecki said. “It’s for the people, and it’s fun and lighthearted, and honestly, I think it’s pretty funny to be pied. Going into the break, it gives everyone something to smile about.”

Despite the lighthearted nature of the event, this event serves as a reminder of the Arcadia community’s dedication to supporting one another wherever possible.

“I think it’s really important to pay it back to the community,” said SGO member Amma Osei ’29. “Have I ever been pied before? No. Did I think I was going to get pied this year? Also no. But this is a really good way for the student government to show that they want to help people and they want to do things around campus. Just being able to be here as a member of the Arcadia community and contribute to the things that help other students on campus is really important.”

Students who need food resources can visit The Pantry at either the Knight Hall location, open Tues. 4-7, Wed. 10-1, and Sun, 6-8; or the Oak Summit location, open Tues. 4-7, Wed. 2-5, and Sun. 6-8. The Pantry also offers appointment scheduling if needed. To schedule an appointment or for any questions, please reach out to aupantry@arcadia.edu.