The UC Merced Blum Center, Civic Engagement Center, Basic Needs Security Workgroup, and others are partnering to observe National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week which will be taking place November 13th through 17th. This week will include a series of tabling events, a discussion event, park clean up, campus resources promotions, concluding with the regular monthly Food Pantry Distribution at Merced College on Nov 17th.
The events aim to raise awareness of information and resources that can assist with the eradication of both hunger and homelessness. Each day will have a different focus, and will be lead by an on-campus organization.
CropMobster Merced County will be tabling on Monday (11/13 from 10am-2pm). They will be discussing hunger, and what resources are available to students on campus. For example, if a student was hungry, where can they go to pick up fruit or a snack? There will also be CalFresh food assistance walk-in appointments from 2pm-5pm in KL 117.
Order of Omega will be tabling Tuesday (11/14 from 10am-2pm), providing general information regarding homelessness. During this tabling event, they will share information on homeless communities on and off our campus, as well as local resources.
The Basic Needs Security team will be having their weekly Free Fruit Wednesdays in SSM 130 during regular business hours, and all you need is your CatCard.
UC Merced Sprouts will be tabling Wednesday (11/15 from 10am-2pm), with a focus on childhood hunger. They will provide information on the impact food insecurity have on the lives of children including academic and personal outcomes.
The Blum Center is hosting a roundtable discussion, Wednesday at 6pm. Highlighting the statistics on hunger and homelessness locally, attendees will also have the opportunity to brainstorm possible solutions. Students, faculty, and community members are all invited to attend. The event will be taking place in SSB 130, from 6:00pm to 7:30 pm, a light dinner will be provided.
UNICEF will be tabling Thursday (11/16 from 10am-2pm), with a focus on homelessness safety. This tabling event will highlight the mental and physical dangers that are related to homelessness, and the need for comprehensive resources to address the problem.
The week concludes with the regular monthly Food Pantry Distribution at Merced College Tri-College Center Friday (11/17), from 10am-2pm, sign up here http://studentlife.ucmerced.edu/content/food-pantry-sign-form. If you need transportation to the Food Pantry, please contact us by the Wednesday prior to the distribution (11/15) at foodpantry@ucmerced.edu. For more information check out the Food Pantry website http://studentlife.ucmerced.edu/content/uc-merced-food-pantry.
