Belmont University will join the “Ms. Cheap Penny Drive for Second Harvest” this month with an on campus promotion to allow students to donate to the drive via their Belmont IDs. Ms. Cheap, also known as Tennessean reporter Mary Hance, has been writing about frugal living for more than 20 years. Five years ago, she partnered with Nashville’s Second Harvest Food Bank to raise money for the nonprofit organization by asking readers and community members to donate their pennies and other loose change to the cause. Since then, the Penny Drive, which runs annually from Nov. 10-Jan. 31, has raised more than $110,000 for the food bank with the support of countless area businesses, churches and individuals who donate their change, cash or even checks to the cause.
Since college students rely on their IDs for on campus payments and often don’t carry cash or change, students, faculty and staff can donate “100 pennies” to the cause at cash registers across campus by adding a $1 fee to their purchase and paying with Bruin Bucks via their BUID. Official Penny Drive cans and jars will also be available for individuals to donate cash or loose change. At the end of the campaign on Jan. 31, Belmont’s Dining Services (provided by Sodexo), will donate to Second Harvest the full amount of all Penny Drive contributions received on campus.
“The penny drive is such a simple yet genius idea, and it benefits a wonderfully worthy cause,” said Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher. “I appreciate Sodexo’s partnership in allowing our students an opportunity to give back to their local community in a tangible way.”
Second Harvest Food Bank serves Nashville along with 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties by supporting more than 400 agencies with food and other food-related resources. Ninety-six percent of every dollar Second Harvest receives goes to feeding programs as opposed to administrative costs. By using donated food resources combined with the organization’s purchasing power and manufacturing capabilities, Second Harvest can create four meals for every $1 donated.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TennesseeOrganized in 1978, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a private, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee’s mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is one of the largest and most comprehensive of over 200 food banks and food distribution centers nationwide and also a member of Feeding America – The Nation’s Food Bank Network. Second Harvest distributes food and other products to approximately 400 nonprofit partner agencies in 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Our partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, childcare facilities, senior centers, group homes, and youth enrichment programs. For more information on Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and its programs, please visit secondharvestmidtn.org.
