2 out of every 5 university students in the state of Washington —more than 40%—face food insecurity. 

These numbers are even higher than the 2023 data that motivated students serving on the Cougar Food Pantry Student Advisory Board to propose a fundraising challenge centered around the Apple Cup. The challenge raises awareness, engagement, and crucial funding for both universities' food pantries and programs. 

As we enter the 3rd annual challenge, we're asking you to join the competition again this year—and to challenge your friends and family in the Coug community to join you too.

During the [202* - 202*] academic year, WSU campus pantries collectively facilitated over [number of] student visits. The Pullman campus pantry alone distributed an average of 25,000 lbs of food per month. Even so, each campus must impose limits on the number of items, weekly visits, or grocery vouchers a student can receive. With your help, we can meet the growing need for these resources across all WSU campuses. 

All six WSU campuses benefit from the Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge. Funds raised through this campaign will be distributed to each pantry based on campus population.

Join us in fighting food insecurity by making your gift today! The university that receives the most gifts between August 23 and Sunday, September 6 at midnight wins—but truly, whether you're a Coug or a Husky, we all win in the fight against food insecurity and for student success.

To learn more about how you can support this campaign through other giving vehicles (like a check, DAF, a gift of stock or securities), contact camille.vaughn@wsu.edu.