RENO, Nev. - Nevada Athletics is proud to introduce the first annual Pack the Pantry Food Drive, taking place Feb. 10-14. This initiative is a collaborative effort between staff and the campus community to support Pack Provisions, the University of Nevada's on-campus food pantry. Pack Provisions plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by providing free access to essential food and hygiene items for students, staff and faculty in need.

Food insecurity is a reality for many students, even at a top-tier university. While some secure scholarships and financial aid, tuition and living expenses can remain significant hurdles. Nevada Athletics is committed to shedding light on this issue and taking action to support those affected.

"Food insecurity is a serious issue for our University community," Nevada Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe said. "We want to do our part to support those students in need. Pack the Pantry is something our athletics community is excited about - we look forward to using our platform to increase awareness of Pack Provisions and collect food and supplies."

Through Pack the Pantry, Nevada Athletics is mobilizing staff, student-athletes and donors to make a meaningful impact. Student-athletes represent a large segment of the campus, and with the incredible support they receive from students and the community at athletic events, this as an opportunity to give back. This initiative strengthens the bond between Nevada Athletics and the campus community, ensuring that no student's academic or athletic journey is hindered by food insecurity.

Building a tradition of giving

Nevada Athletics' vision is to make Pack the Pantry an annual tradition, growing its reach and impact every year. Transparency will be key – they will share donation totals and participation metrics to showcase the collective impact. Future plans include campus-wide competitions and partnerships to expand this initiative into the largest food drive at the University of Nevada.

"This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity—not just for our students, but for the entire Nevada community. Strengthening the relationship between athletics and campus through service is something I'm deeply passionate about," Collin Bernard, assistant director of development, annual giving, for Nevada Athletics, said. "At the end of the day, students come first, and that includes our student athletes who may experience food insecurity. Our campus continuously shows up for our sporting events, and this food drive is a way for us to give back and show that their support does not go unnoticed. This initiative is about more than just donations—it's about creating a culture of care that will leave a lasting impact. I'm energized to see this grow into a tradition the entire campus can look forward to each year."

"We plan to expand the awareness and production of this event by remaining consistent. Growth with any event takes time, but consistency is pivotal," continued Bernard. "Plans for growth include showing transparency through volume and monetary donations. Both items allow Pack Provisions to build out the operation. As results show, the possibilities are endless. Competitions and collaborations with additional departments can open the vision to have the largest campus-wide food drive hosted by Nevada Athletics every year."

Join in making a difference. Together, the community can Pack the Pantry and support those who need it most.

"Our mission is to make this the most successful food drive in the history of our department. Setting a high standard from year one allows us to improve and grow each year," said Suzanne Affeldt, Nevada Athletics' Senior Associate Athletics Director, Development & Engagement. "Since this is our first time organizing this event, we are eager to gauge participation from our student-athletes, staff, and the broader campus community. While it's difficult to predict exact numbers, our goal is to collect at least 150 pounds of food/essentials to make an immediate impact. We are coming together as One Pack to ensure full department participation and will be transparent in sharing our progress. Additionally, we will work closely with our donors and Pack Provisions to generate community support and make this drive as impactful as possible."

Most critical needed items

Food:

• Canned protein (e.g., tuna, chicken)
• Canned soup

Hygiene supplies:

• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body soap
• Laundry detergent
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Floss

Important: Please focus solely on the listed items to ensure the most urgent needs are met.

Donations can be dropped off at Legacy Hall located between Mackay Stadium and Lawlor Events Center. Bins will be outside the office.

Legacy Hall
1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557

Please contact Collin Bernard for all questions pertaining to this drive.