Mason4Change

Round up to address food insecurity!

Every purchase at a retail food location is an opportunity to donate toward addressing food insecurity on campus. Coins4Change is an ongoing campaign that collects monetary donations, which are funneled to the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) and redistributed to students. Round up to the nearest dollar or specify a dollar amount to donate. As a resource for students living on and off campus, SSAC provides invaluable support by collecting resources like non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products as well as meal swipe and monetary donations for those in need. At the end of the fall semester of 2022, Mason Dining collected close to $1,080 through Coins4Change! With no end in sight, we are increasing our efforts on this donation campaign in hopes of doubling this number. Next time you grab a snack, round up to support those experiencing food insecurity.

If you are a student in need, please contactStudent Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC)

Donate Guest Meal Swipes

Swipe4Change is not just an event; it's a student-led movement. Any meal plan holder with guest swipes can donate to support students experiencing food insecurity. With a close partnership with the Student Support and Advocacy Center, the swipes are then directly transferred to students in need.

It is not a movement without community partners and students leading the charge. The Student Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) identified a need to take action to address food insecurity on campus. From here, they rallied support to start a swipe donation drive, and Mason Dining listened to the call. With support from University Sustainability, the Student Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), Student Government, ShopMason, and others, we aim to create a tangible impact on the lives of our fellow students.

Food insecurity should never be a barrier to success. Swipe4Change is driven by the belief that together, we can make a difference. By redistributing donated guest swipes, we're ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals, fostering a campus where no one goes hungry.

How You Can Contribute:

Donate A Guest Swipe: If you have a meal plan that permits, consider donating one of your guests swipes each semester during our day-long donation drive. Follow @mason_dining on social media to learn more about the date and time of the event. Donation stations can be found in Southside Lobby, Ike’s, and The Johnson Center.

Volunteer and Support: Your involvement goes beyond donations. Sign up for volunteering at Green.gmu.edu and be a part of the team making this event a success. Together, we can create a campus where support knows no bounds.

Resources for Students in Need:

To request support, please contact Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC).

On campuses around the nation, meal swipes are a secondary currency. As an inclusive effort to address food insecurity on campus, Mason Dining donates 2,000 meal swipes every academic year to students experiencing food insecurity. In the event meal swipes run out, Mason Dining is committed to ensure students do not go hungry. These swipes can be used at Southside, Ike’s, and The Globe as an all-you-can-eat meal.

If you are a student in need, please contact Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC)

President Washington called Mason Patriots to action with the #PatriotPantryChallenge!

To support his mission to stock the Patriot Pantry, Mason Dining donated 300 lbs. of non-perishable foods. An additional donation of $1,000 was made to support the longevity of their invaluable presence on campus. With various forms of donations accepted, we tabled for Intentional Act of Kindness Day, where we amplified their Amazon Wishlist, monetary donations through SSAC, as well as non-perishable and sanitation items.

If you are a student in need, please contact Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC)

Active students and dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in operating George Mason’s Food Recovery Network on campus. Collaborating with Mason Dining’s Food Recovery Verified staff, they collect, repackage, and deliver surplus food to various donation locations around campus, including Arise and Campus Catholic Ministries. These partnerships help connect Mason students with nutritious meals. If you are interested in volunteering or helping lead the Food Recovery Network, please join the group via Mason 360 and sign up to volunteer through University Sustainability's portal.

If you are a student in need, please contact Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC).