It is only through the extensive support of the whole village that the Feeding Fredonia Challenge has succeeded in meeting its goal each year since its inception in 2014.

The village businesses and the Fredonia Central Schools are the most visible supporters of the effort since people see the donation bags in the businesses as soon as they walk in and parents receive notices from the school about their family’s chance to participate. But the students, faculty and staff of the State University of New York at Fredonia also play a significant role in the success of the Feeding Fredonia Challenge.

Their involvement, coordinated by Joyce Harvard Smith in the Volunteer and Community Services Office, covers the campus. Posters and collection boxes are located all over, from residence halls to academic buildings to Dods Hall. Their work, however, does not stop there.

Last year, the Alpha Phi Omega service organization weighed and loaded almost 3,000 pounds of food donated from the Fredonia Central Schools into the truck that eventually took the total of 5,500 pounds of food to the Rural Ministry where the food is stored. This year, Fredonia State students will again be helping not only in donating food, but in collecting the donations around campus, and helping to load and pack food at the Fredonia Central School. Alpha Phi Omega, Kappa Sigma and the Social Work Club are already hard at work supporting the campus wide effort.

“We couldn’t do it without their help,” said Rev. Cynthia Wickwire of the Fredonia Presbyterian Church. “Their enthusiasm and cooperativeness helps make the Challenge go smoothly.”

The Feeding Fredonia Challenge begins Monday and continues through Friday. The whole community is encouraged to donate non-perishable food at any participating local businesses. Questions may be directed to Rev. Wickwire at the Fredonia Presbyterian Church at 679-1501. Food needed includes: beans, canned fruits, canned meats, canned vegetables, cereals, coffee, dry milk, peanut butter, rice, soups, pastas, canned spaghetti sauce, and jelly, but all donations will be accepted.