Smathers Libraries will use a survey to fill the Field and Fork Pantry shelves as they empty out for Thanksgiving.
The libraries will donate up to $3,000 to the pantry based on how many UF faculty members respond to a survey sent out Oct. 22, said assessment librarian Laura Spears. The library will donate $2 for every faculty member who completes the survey. The project runs until Nov. 30.
“We’re all very much aware of the food pantry and our No. 1 goal is to serve the students,” Spears said.
About 700 faculty members have completed the survey, she said. The goal is to get 1,500 responses.
Instead of raffling off a Starbucks gift card to incentivize faculty to fill out the survey, the libraries wanted to promote supporting both the faculty and students, Spears said.
The survey is done every four to five years to evaluate the libraries’ resources.
The pantry, which is free to anyone with a Gator 1 Card, helps feed hungry students and staff members and relies solely on monetary and food donations, said Ambre Hobson, a Care Area assistant director.
The pantry can feed up to 20 people with $2, Hobson said.
Anyone can donate to the pantry throughout the year, but the holiday season is an especially busy time for donations, Hobson said. More students use the pantry as financial aid runs out toward the end of the semester.
“One faculty member who fills out one survey can end up helping a lot of people,” Hobson said.
