Cross & Crescent

Since 1993, Lambda Chi Alpha has been coordinating an international philanthropy project that has now raised approximately 30 million pounds of food for the needy across North America.

Called the Lambda Chi Alpha North American Food Drive, this annual event is arguably the largest single-day philanthropic project sponsored by a collegiate organization.

This year, Lambda Chi Alpha collected approximately 1,956,573 pounds of food with approximately 150 chapters and colonies participating.

In 2005, the Fraternity collected more than 2.5 million pounds, which was the most food ever collected in a given year.

Food collected by chapters directly supports the hungry and needy within their local community. Participating chapters typically gather money or canned food and donate all proceeds to a local food bank, shelter, or charity.

For some shelters, Lambda Chi Alpha’s food drive is the single-largest source of charity they receive, and they rely on our chapters every year.

Each can of food collected not only feeds someone in need but also raises the awareness that helping those in need is a cornerstone of what Lambda Chi Alpha is committed to doing.

“Brothers Feeding Others” is more than a slogan. It is the embodiment of the true principles upon which our Fraternity is founded.

Comments from Members

No more clearly are our principles exemplified than in the comments and stories of our members (both undergraduate and alumni) who took part in this year’s North American Food Drive.

Scott L. Savoy (Eastern Michigan 2011)

“In November, we raised 7,075 pounds of food and helped the (Samaritans Purse) stuff 741 boxes to give to the children. We possess amazing man power for only being a 15-man chapter.” (7,075 pounds)

Joe Saddoris (Murray State 2010)

“It’s right before the holiday season and that’s one of the best times to help because it’s when families need it the most.”

Jonas Dominique (New Orleans 2009)

“It’s amazing how giving a community can be only a few years after the largest and most expensive natural disaster in this nation’s history.” (99,500 pounds)

Justin Conley (Western Carolina 2009)

“At our chapter, the NAFD is more than just an undergraduate event. One of our alumni, Joe Cleary (Western Carolina 1992), does his own food drive in Florida, and we combine our donations on behalf of the chapter.” (2,202 pounds)

Weston Kissee (Drury 2008)

“I’m really happy with the hard work of the chapter. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. I would like to thank all of the alumni, parents, and community for their generosity and for helping us reach our goal.” (80,988 pounds)

Rob Zuniga (Texas-San Antonio 2008)

“Here in San Antonio, we strive to become better in every aspect of our chapter relations and events. We emphasize the importance of NAFD not only to our university but also to the community which we serve.” (218,187 pounds)

Jeff Reisdorfer (Wisconsin-Whitewater 1999)

“As many of our chapter’s brothers could not make it to Whitewater for two weekends to distribute and then collect bags of food, we conducted the North American Food Drive completely on-line. We accepted donations via our website and then presented the money directly to the Whitewater Food Pantry.” (8,050 pounds)

(Because the chapter is in the process of being recolonized, the chapter Alumni Association orchestrated this year’s food drive using a unique, on-line donation process.)

Making a Difference

The time and energy put into the food drive is returned exponentially in the happiness and joy that our efforts bring to the community.

Lambda Chi Alpha is able to give to those less fortunate through a simple act that provides people immediate strength to approach the day, hope that tomorrow is going to be better than today, and faith in the idea that people do care about others and are willing and able to lend a hand.

Thankfully, hope abounds when our members are willing to give of themselves to support those with needs in their local communities.

To view how well your chapter participated, visit the Lambda Chi Alpha website.

Top 10 Chapters Reported

1. Truman State (261,646 pounds)
2. Texas-San Antonio (218,187 pounds)
3. New Orleans (129,644 pounds)
4. Mississippi State (118,216 pounds)
5. Butler (109,380 pounds)
6. Missouri-Columbia (100,000 pounds)
7. Drury (80,988 pounds)
8. Coe (75,284 pounds)
9. Incarnate Word (70,000 pounds)
10. Central Florida (55,205)