ODU Teams Up with Kellogg's in Campaign to Donate Cereal to Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

With games like "guess the Kellogg's cereal flavor" and a visit from Tony the Tiger, a campaign to collect cereal donations for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia kicked off Tuesday, March 22, in Old Dominion University's Café 1201.

Kellogg's, Monarch Dining Services/Aramark and ODU are teaming up on a 30-day campaign that will see the Foodbank receive donations equivalent to as many as 1,600 bowls of Kellogg's cereal, one for every bowl eaten by students in campus dining halls.

"A lot of people in Hampton Roads depend on the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. We're happy to make this donation on behalf of Old Dominion University. It's a nice partnership," said Debbie Gordon, senior market manager with Kellogg's.

While music played, students competed in contests - such as one where they attempted to rate Kellogg's cereals from least to most sweet - for a chance to win prizes donated by Kellogg's. Meanwhile, a Tony the Tiger mascot wandered around Café 1201 in Webb Center, posing for pictures with students.

"This is a good opportunity for Monarch Dining/Aramark and the students, who get to learn about the good work done by the Foodbank," said Larry Hogge, director of dining services with Aramark Higher Education at ODU. "It's really win-win, and everybody gets to contribute to a very worthy cause."

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia currently serves one in four hungry individuals throughout its 3,754-square-mile service area. The organization's chief marketing officer, Susan Mayo, said the donation from Kellogg's is both appreciated and needed. But just as important, she added, is the development of a community spirit of engagement among the ODU student body.

"It really is a great opportunity for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Getting donations from colleges helps create that awareness among students that hunger is real," Mayo said.

"We're encouraging students to keep that in mind when they're enjoying the great food here at Monarch Dining - maybe keep a seat open at their table to remind themselves that not everyone is lucky enough to know where their next meal is coming from."