Events

September 25, 2019 – 10 a.m. and Noon, Speaker: Max Kaniger

• Meet the founder of Kanbe's Markets, a nonprofit in Kansas City that aims to eliminate food deserts. Location: 10 a.m. Visser Hall 330 and Noon in Flint Hills Kanza in the Memorial Union

October 16, 2019 – World Food Day

• Visit the Memorial Union for education and action to end food insecurity throughout the day, including showings of the documentary A Place at the Table.

October 18, 2019 – 10 a.m. and Noon, Speaker: Dr. Don Willis

• Listen to Dr. Willis share about his research on food insecurity among college students. Location: 10 a.m. and Noon in Visser Hall 330

November 5, 2019 – Corky's Cupboard's Birthday

• Celebrate the 5-year anniversary of our on-campus food pantry with an exhibit and events in the Memorial Union.

November 7, 2019 – 7 p.m., Speaker: Mary-Pat Hector

• Get inspired by advocate Mary-Pat Hector as she talks about her efforts to end student hunger. Location: Memorial Union Skyline.

November 20, 2019 – Community Action Workshop

• Stakeholders in the ESU and greater Emporia community will engage in dialogue in an effort to identify solutions and take action to end hunger on our campus and in our community.

February 25, 2020 – 1-2 p.m., Hungry for Change: How to Use Your Power to Make a Difference

• Join us for a workshop facilitated by representatives of Kansas Appleseed to learn how to advocate for change with a special focus on food insecurity. Location: Phi Kappa Phi Room in ESU's Memorial Union

March 2, 2020 – 6 p.m., March to End Hunger Opening Reception

• Join EAT and our partners to launch the month of activities with remarks and an open house to view the "Confronting Food Insecurity" exhibit. Refreshments will be provided. Location: Emporia Public Library Large Meeting Room. Note: Due to COVID-19 most of the remaining EAT and partner events of March to End Hunger were cancelled.

March 4, 2020 – 12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m., Film Showing & Plate Painting: A Place At The Table

• Watch A Place At the Table, a documentary about food insecurity in America, at one of two free showing times while painting a ceramic plate. Food will be provided. Co-sponsored by the EAT Initiative, Community Hornets, University Libraries & Archives, and the Emporia Arts Council. Location: ESU's William Allen White Library

October 1-31, 2020 — This October EAT and its partners will #SwarmHunger. That will include the following events and activities among others:

• Associated Student Government and Community Hornets will be hosting a food drive in the month of October for Corky’s Cupboard, ESU's on-campus food pantry. This year, ESU and Washburn will “Can COVID” and work together to raise funds and food for their respective pantries. All donations may be brought to the Center for Student Involvement or funds may be donated online here.

• The first annual Corky’s Cupboard 5K will be held virtually Oct. 4 through 10. ESU and the Emporia community are invited to participate. All proceeds will benefit Corky’s Cupboard.

• Virtual showings will be offered of the documentary Hungry to Learn, a film that focuses on food and housing insecurity among college students. It will be available for streaming for the ESU community between Oct. 7 through 21. Join us for all-day watch parties on Thursday, October 15. Share your reactions, questions, and actions you will take to help end hunger on Emporia State’s campus using the hashtag #SwarmHunger. Access the documentary at www.emporia.edu/live. After viewing the film, complete the post-film reflection form by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16, for a chance to win one of 3 Amazon Collegebox Care Packages.

• The Emporia Arts Council, Lyon County Food and Farm Council and EAT Initiative are partnering up for an online exhibition of food art. You do not have to be a professional artist to participate! Submit your food art by Oct. 14 for a chance to be featured in the exhibit on World Food Day (Oct. 16) and win prizes.

• World Food Day is Oct. 16. We are encouraging a day of action to end hunger on our campus and community. Share what action you will take to end hunger using the hashtag #SwarmHunger and tag the EAT Initiative.

November 16-22, 2020 — Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

• The Lyon County History Center, EAT Initiative, Lyon County Food & Farm Council and Healthier Lyon County are partnering for Hungry for History, an online campaign and exhibit that traces the history of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption in Lyon County. Learn more about our local food system, share your own food story, and find and support local food assistance resources. The online campaign #Hungry4History runs November 16-30, and the exhibit will be on display in the LCHC window through the end of December.

• EAT and partners will host Hornets United to End Hunger, a virtual interdisciplinary showcase of student work on Thursday, Nov. 19. This event aims to promote innovative student research, creativity, and action on food insecurity. Students have shared their work through presentations, infographics, podcasts, research posters, and more. The students presenting their work today represent at least 12 different academic majors and are supported by at least six collaborating faculty members. Visit www.esuhornetsunited.com to check out our virtual exhibit and vote to recognize students for the #SwarmHunger Leadership Awards. Voting opens at 9 a.m. Nov. 19 and closes at noon on Friday, Nov. 20. The winners will receive not only recognition but ESU and food-related prizes, including the grand prize of an air fryer. Winners also have the chance to have their work publicly displayed in the community.

March 25, 2021 - 3 p.m. Uprooting Racism, Seeding Sovereignty

• Join us for this virtual event on racial justice and the food system. This event features a keynote address delivered by Soul Fire Farm’s Co-Founder and Farm Manager, Leah Penniman, and a performance by world-renowned poet, Soul Fire Farm’s Program Manager, Naima Penniman. It will be followed by a Q&A discussion with Naima. Register for the event at www.emporia.edu/live

Starting August 18 — 5 p.m. Turnip the Eat at the Emporia Farmers Market

• This is the first in a series of monthly interactive booths about the food system, particularly regarding ways to reduce food waste and improve food access. This is a partnership with the Lyon County Food & Farm Council.

September 10, 2021 — Corky’s Cupboard Open House

• Join us for the “Grand Opening” of our newly renovated and expanded Corky’s Cupboard. Learn more about the pantry's day-to-day operation, meet staff, and check out the new space designed to offer healthier options for ESU students.

October 16, 2021 — World Food Day

• Engage in education and action about the food system to mark World Food Day.

October 25, 2021 — 5 p.m., 2nd Annual Food Art & Creativity Contest

• Participate in the 2nd annual Food Art & Creativity Contest! We invite you to take some time on and around World Food Day to reflect on what food means to you, create your own food art, and share it with the community as part of a local exhibition.

November 4, 2021 — 7 p.m., MU Ballroom “From Homelessness to Hope” with Frederick Shegog

• Frederick Shegog is a student and motivational speaker. He is currently serving on the Inaugural Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC) for the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice which is driving the #RealCollege movement to assist students with their basic needs for food and housing. He joined the SLAC because he wants to leave a legacy to ensure equity for marginalized populations.

November 5, 2021 — Food Art & Creativity @ Emporia First Friday Art Walk

• Stop by the Vault Meats & Cheeses as part of the Emporia First Friday Art Walk to see an exhibit of entries from the Food Art & Creativity contest.

November 13-21, 2021 — Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

• EAT will be partnering with several organizations and groups for activities this week including the launch of an exhibit at the Lyon County History Center. See details below.

  • November 16, 2021, at Noon, Campus Ministries & Didde Catholic Center — Food Giveaway

    • In partnership with Abundant Harvest, hot meals will be available first come, first served at several locations in Emporia.

  • November 17, 2021, at 6 p.m., MU Preston — Workshop for Student-Athletes

    • Discover how basic needs insecurity can impact student-athletes and how you can be a champion for yourself and others.

  • Opening November 18, 2021, Lyon County History Center — Food System Exhibit

    • Learn more about food access in Lyon County by checking out our window display and exhibit on the second floor of the Lyon County History Center.

  • November 20, 2021 — Hungry for Change: Unpacking the Stigma of Food (In)security

    • In a partnership between TRIO Upward Bound and the EAT Initiative, we will host a workshop on Saturday for area high school students.  

• December 1, 2021, at 4 p.m. — Campus Action Workshop

  • EAT and the Basic Needs Coalition will host a workshop to facilitate dialogue among students as well as with others from the campus community about how to ensure all Hornets have access to the resources they need to succeed. Learn more and register by November 30: https://forms.gle/Pi4ncHFzXaSb72WJ7

• December 2, 2021, at 6 p.m. — Community Food Action Workshop

  • EAT and the Lyon County Food & Farm Council will host a workshop to facilitate dialogue among about how to ensure everyone in our community has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Learn more and register by December 1: https://forms.gle/GJpfH5FV9B9Purhu

• February 21-25, 2022 — Basic Needs Awareness Week

  • EAT partnered with the Basic Needs Coalition and others to spread information about college students' basic needs and resources relevant for ESU students.

• April 1-30, 2022 — National Volunteer Month

  • The following are service and volunteer activities relevant to the EAT Initiative and our partners:

    • April 6 - Kansas Food Bank Delivery - 9 a.m. in the CSI

    • April 11 - Stock Corky’s Cupboard - 11 a.m. in the CSI

    • April 12 - Abundant Harvest Distribution - Noon at 1028 Whittier St

    • April 20 - Renovate La Bonita Garden of Grace - 3-5 p.m. meet at the community garden at 499 South Ave

    • April 27 - Painting Bloom House - 3-5 p.m. at 301 W. 11th Ave.

    • April 28 - Build Mental Health Care Kits - 11 a.m. in Visser Room 312

• April 4-22, 2022 — Spring Cleaning Donation Drive for Corky’s Cupboard

  • Corky’s Cupboard needs help filling shelves with hygiene items (personal and dental hygiene items, menstrual products) and cleaning supplies (i.e., laundry and dish soap). We are also gathering new or gently used kitchenware (dinnerware, cookware, or silverware) to distribute to students early in the fall semester. No appliances, please. Donation boxes can be found in the Student Wellness Center, Visser Hall Atrium, Center for Student Involvement, Office of International Education, and Plumb Hall Rotunda through April 22. Email chornets@emporia.edu with any questions. Sponsored by Student Wellness Center, Associated Student Government, and Corky’s Cupboard.

• April 15, 2022 — Campus Food Photo Challenge

  • EAT is organizing a campus food photo challenge inviting students who live and/or eat on campus to share their experiences accessing food. Entries are due by April 15

• April 27, 2022 — Stop Food Waste Day

  • Join EAT and partners in posting to social media and/or taking action on this date.