ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

October 2, 2026

Dear Pittsburgh Staff, Faculty and Students,

For more than three decades, the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community has come together to help our neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the Pittsburgh region. This year we are excited to launch our 33rd Annual Food Drive, organized by Staff Council and benefiting Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Each year, we are inspired by the way our students, faculty and staff demonstrate such deep care and support for our community through the Food Drive. This annual campus-wide initiative serves as a powerful reminder of our campus's core values and commitment to the region. According to the Food Bank, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ organizes the highest-grossing food drive of any organization in the city of Pittsburgh. Last year we raised a record-breaking $125,910, surpassing our $100,000 goal and providing more than 375,000 meals for our neighbors in need. Since the drive’s inception in 1994, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has raised nearly $750,000!

Our goals this year are to raise $100,000 plus nonperishable food items (especially peanut butter) for Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. We also aim to collect 250 can openers for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Food Pantry. The 2026 drive runs through Friday, Nov. 6. Please make your donation today.

You can also text ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½33 to 50155 to donate. Or bring your donation to the following events for the chance to win prizes:

Tartan Tuesdays (students only)
Tuesdays, Oct. 6 and 20, noon-5 p.m., Alumni House

Food Drive Fall Fest
Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon-2 p.m., Merson Courtyard

Benefits & Fitness Fair
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cohon University Center, Second Floor

You can drop off nonperishable food and can opener donations here:

Drive & Drop
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., East Campus Garage
Nonperishables can also be dropped off at the Parking Office during business hours any day.

New this year is a Jersey Mike’s fundraiser! Eat at Jersey Mike’s Subs in Bloomfield (5225 Liberty Ave.) anytime on Thursday, Oct. 15, and 40% of the day’s sales will go to the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Food Drive.

Visit the for more details, and contact Carole Panno with any questions.

Thank you in advance for your continued generosity.

Sincerely,

Jim Garrett
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Honorary Chair of the 2026 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Food Drive

Carole Panno
Associate Director of Development, University Advancement
Staff Council Food Drive Committee Chair