BALTIMORE — More than 150 volunteers, including faculty, staff and students from Morgan State University, along with volunteers from Coppin State University and the College of Southern Maryland, gathered on Morgan’s campus to assemble more than 50,000 healthy nonperishable meals to be donated to local organizations and university partners. The volunteer service event, which was organized by Morgan’s Food Resource Center (FRC) in partnership with the nonprofit 9/11 Day, The Pack Shack, and the federal agency, AmeriCorps, was held in observance of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance and National Hunger Action Month. Morgan State University is one of 14 colleges and universities across the U.S. to participate in organizing a ‘Feed the Funnel for 9/11 Day’ meal packing project.
Since its formation in 2002, 9/11 Day has grown to become the largest day of service in America. More than 30 million Americans and others participate in 9/11 Day each year, dedicating time to helping others in need and rekindling the spirit of unity that brought Americans together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy.
“We are super excited to share this day of service with our fellow colleges and universities,” said Letitia Williams Ph.D., associate vice president and dean of students at Morgan State University. “We’re grateful for all the volunteers that came together to make this day one of positive impact here in our community, and across the country.”
A portion of the funding for the project, to cover principally food costs, is being provided by 9/11 Day in collaboration with AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.
“Americans came together in 2001 in ways our nation had never seen before. Political and social differences didn’t stand in the way of service to our neighbors, strangers, and American families affected by 9/11,” said Michael D. Smith CEO, AmeriCorps. “We are proud to partner with Morgan State University, 9/11 Day, and The Pack Shack, to help facilitate such meaningful and impactful service, packing and providing meals to those most vulnerable to hunger.”
“Today, one-third of the nation has little or no memories of the 9/11 tragedy,” said David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day. “Projects such as this, at Morgan State University, play an absolutely vital role in passing onto future generations the importance of remembering 9/11 through service, while helping all of us keep the promise to never forget those lost on 9/11 and the many who bravely rose in service in response to the events of that difficult day.”
The 9/11 Day observance was founded in 2002, inspired by the spirit of unity, service and shared humanity that arose in the United States and spread around the world following the events of September 11, 2001. In 2009, the U.S. Congress and President formally recognized 9/11 Day under bipartisan federal law as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Today, 9/11 Day stands as a permanent and positive tribute to those lost and injured, and those who rose in service in response to the tragedy.
Morgan’s FRC was founded to alleviate hunger and food insecurity among university students through FREE food collection, distribution, and education. Committed to stemming the prevalence of food and personal care product insecurities, the FRC is on the front lines impacting student success and performance, health and well-being as these represent key contributors to stress and depression. The FRC is just one of the many available resources available to students that goes Beyond Financial Aid.
Hosting an event of this caliber and for this purpose aligns with Morgan’s longstanding commitment to the greater community the University serves. Service is a pillar Morgan and its students hold with high regard. In 2021, Morgan became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Maryland to be recognized as an AmeriCorps School of National Service.
Visit online to learn more about Morgan’s Food Resource Center: https://www.morgan.edu/foodresourcecenter
