As a student news organization, we soon realized that Manual hosted no major food drive during the holiday season. With Mr. Purvis, Manual’s math department chair and Mr. Farmer’s approval, Manual RedEye is planning on hosting a food drive starting on Tuesday, November 12th lasting until Friday, December 20th.

There will be one box placed in every math classroom at Manual and YPAS. Each math teacher is in charge of creating a goal for each class and is able to use this data for future projects.

Each Friday, students from RedEye will take all the donations, after tallying them up, to a new local food pantry that is selected and announced earlier that week on Thursday.

There will be additional boxes in Center Hall at Manual, at YPAS and in the YPAS annex for teachers, administrators, staff and anyone to participate in donations.

Students can bring any form of non-perishable food items. Food products are the main goal of this drive but personal care items such as cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and personal care items are accepted and encouraged.

Encourage your classmates and friends to give to this drive and spread the word.

Manual RedEye is excited about giving back to our community and our audience during this holiday!

What food pantry’s want/need:

• Canned fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines
• Canned meats, such as chicken and turkey
• Whole grains, such as quinoa and spelt
• Rice (brown, wild)
• Steel-cut or rolled oats
• Whole grain dry cereals with at least 5 grams fiber/serving
• Whole grain pastas, such as whole wheat, brown rice flour or quinoa
• Fruits in natural juice with no sugar added
• Canned vegetables, low salt or no added salt
• Canned fruit packed in water versus syrup
• Canned or boxed low-sodium soups and stews
• Dried or canned legumes, such as peas, lentils, peanuts and beans
• Pureed foods, such as sweet potato, pumpkin and applesauce
• Low-fat dry or shelf-stable milk
• Nut butters, including peanut, almond, walnut
• Dried herbs and spices and no-salt spice blends
• Popcorn kernels
• Dried fruits (preferably no added sugar), such as prunes, mangoes, apricots and raisins
• Granola, muesli
• Shelf-stable milk alternatives such as soy, almond, rice
• Seeds, such as sesame, sunflower or pumpkin
• Healthy oils, such as olive and grape seed
• Green, white and herbal tea
• Plain, unsalted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans
• Natural sweeteners, such as honey
• 100 percent fruit juice