Feeding Hope: USF’s 29th Annual Thanksgiving Drive

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In the spirit of gratitude and generosity, the University of San Francisco's Thanksgiving Food Drive unites the community to support families in need — an ongoing tradition nearly three decades strong.

USF's Thanksgiving Food Drive has been a cherished tradition for 29 years, demonstrating the university's Jesuit values and spirit of philanthropy. The Food Drive Committee uses the funds raised to purchase groceries, which are then packed, distributed, and delivered as meals with the help of USF student volunteers.

This year's drive mobilized alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community partners to come together to raise money and feed over 110 families in the Western Addition and Tenderloin neighborhoods of San Francisco.

The initiative, launched by the Alumni Board of Directors, raised $10,000 to provide groceries for a hearty Thanksgiving meal.

Their commitment began early, as the volunteers started their day at 6:30 a.m. to prepare the gymnasium for the day. Between rain showers, students of Professor Lisa Sabatini of the School of Nursing and Health Professions and Professor Dave Griffis of the School of Management partnered with 100 student-athletes to help organize and load cars for food distribution.

“Working with the Thanksgiving Food Drive these past two years has shown us firsthand how much impact we can make when our community comes together. Every family deserves to experience the joy of sharing a holiday meal. With food costs rising, the need in our community is greater than ever—but so is our determination to help,” said Rainie Stevens and Branson Lennon, student-athlete volunteers and Thanksgiving Food Drive student co-chairs.

Thanks to the collective generosity of the USF community, student volunteers, faculty and staff were instrumental in ensuring the drive’s success, helping make this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive a holiday marked by warmth and connection.

Join the USF community in making a difference this holiday season.