By: Cecily Ross (Media Liaison)
Edited By: Michelle Thompson
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated donated non- perishable food items to the Fayette Seventh-day Adventist Church Food Pantry in recognition of its Global Day of Service. The initiative known as “Pack the Pantry” aims to support local food pantries, shelters, and community organizations, in their effort to improve access to nutritious non-perishable food for needy families, as well as individuals living in food deserts. According to Shanda Ross, President of the Epsilon Alpha Epsilon Zeta Chapter,
Our Global Day of Service is a testament to our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. By working together, we can help ensure that no family goes hungry and that everyone has access to nutritious food.
The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. was founded in 1920 on the campus of Andrews University. The sorority has a rich history of community service and continues to be a leading organization dedicated to empowering communities and making a positive impact. Likewise, the Fayette Seventh-day Adventist Church is known for its commitment to community service, and empowering families. As such Zeta Phi Beta’s decision to partner with the Fayette Seventh-day Adventist Church is fitting because both organizations are dedicated to supporting communities through service, eradicating food shortages, advocacy, and empowerment.
After the donation, the editor spoke with a member of the Fayetteville/Spaulding County Zeta Phi Beta Chapter. When asked why the sorority chose to partner with Fayette Seventh-day Adventist Church, she stated the following:
“I personally know the impact that [Fayette Seventh-day Adventist Church] has made in the community with the Food Pantry, and when it came up with us packing the food pantry, our thought process was: Who do we know in the community who provides and could use a restock because sometimes it comes in plentiful and other times it doesn’t. We needed to partner because we can’t do what [Fayette Seventh-day Adventist] does on our own. It takes a village.”