By Dixie Reid

November 18, 2020

"We pass the envelope and ask people to donate a dollar at a time, but sometimes we get $5, $10, or checks for $200 or $500"

The Renaissance Society, a group of older folks who come to Sac State for lifelong-learning classes, adopted the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) Food Pantry as its good cause.

Over the past two years, society members donated more than $35,000 to help provide sustenance for students with food insecurity. Their goal for the 2019-20 academic year is an additional $25,000.

"We pass the envelope and ask people to donate a dollar at a time, but sometimes we get $5, $10, or checks for $200 or $500," said Maryellen Burns '79 (Journalism).

Burns said the approach was first used in September 2017 and that "now it's reallyembedded in the society."

The Food Pantry continues to provide food for an increasing number of students - and sometimes their immediate family. In September 2019, a record 704 distinct students accounted for 1,254 pantry visits, with food being provided for 2,517 people, according to Reuben Greenwald, ASI's director of Student Engagement & Outreach.

The Renaissance Society's contributions play a significant role.

"It's important that we give back to the Sacramento State community," Burns said. "We're always looking for ways to help."