HIGH POINT, N.C. -- High Point University’s Student Government Association donated nearly 500 meals to Open Door Ministries, a nonprofit that provides food for people in need and operates a shelter for homeless men. The food was delivered on Nov. 29.

The food drive is an annual partnership between the SGA and HPU dining locations to provide community members with meals around the holiday season, said SGA President Hannah Parson.

“As students prepared to leave for Thanksgiving break, we encouraged them to donate their extra meals from their dining plans, which then became tangible food donations,” Parson said. “More than 130 students participated, giving a total of 488 meals. We are so happy to donate 400 pounds of food to Open Door Ministries and are so grateful for all they do for the High Point community.” 

Ryan Ross, executive director of Open Door Ministries, said support from HPU and local organizations that are willing to sponsor food drives makes a huge difference for people in need.

“With the economy and inflation, operational costs have increased while the need is increasing so much,” Ross said. “At the first of this year, we were serving 3,500 meals a month. In November, we served over 10,000 cooked meals. We also serve about 500 individuals through the food pantry. Right now, we’re housing 65 in the shelter. Individual cash donations have decreased so we depend on donations of food and clothing. Especially at the holiday season, if people will think of those in need and think of ways they can help contribute, it really makes a significant difference in a lot of people’s lives.”

Open Door Ministries Director of Advancement Ivan C. Huffman added that the gifts of food and support it receives from HPU are greatly appreciated.

“It allows us to feed without worrying where the next meal is coming from,” Huffman said. “In the last three months, we’re seeing more men and children utilizing our pantry. Open Door tries to not only alleviate homelessness but also prevent it. We’re seeing more people ask for rental and utility assistance than ever before.”