This November, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be starting its annual food drive. A tradition that dates back 59 years, it provides a great way for the community to give back to those in need. 

To facilitate the food drive, Jesuit partners with the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center, a 46-year-old non-profit that provides for 700 different families in need. They assemble Christmas baskets and provide food to those families. The donations include non-perishable food and money to aid the households.

Student Activity Director Mr. Peter Ferrari believes that involvement is key to having a successful food drive this year.

“We want to get more students involved this year,” Mr. Ferrari said. “We want more students to canvass their neighborhoods. Students can donate their own money. They can go to the store with their family and buy food to donate to the food drive […] As many people as we can get bought into this thing, the better.”

Student Body President Emmet Gustorf said that participating in the food drive reflects Jesuit’s Ignatian identity.

“We get to help out a local community, while living true to our mission of [being] men for others,” Emmet said. “There’s a lot of bonding that comes with the food drive, so it’s a great way to help both ourselves and others.”

This year, the goal is to surpass the 59,000 pounds and dollars donated last year. The only way to do that is with as much participation from the students and community as possible. Every donation matters, whether it’s food or money. When you can, make sure to donate to help those in need.