OU’s Gender and Sexuality Center is hosting “Not-Just-Food-Drive”, a food and essentials drive running from Jan. 19 through Feb. 19 as part of Oakland University’s 2026 African American Celebration Month.
The drive collects food and personal care items for the Golden Grizzlies Pantry, a campus resource that provides food and basic necessities to Oakland University students throughout the academic year.
“The goal of the Not-Just-Food-Drive is to promote and support the Golden Grizzlies Pantry,” Blake Illan, coordinator of the Gender and Sexuality Center, said.
The name of the drive reflects the variety of items accepted by the pantry beyond traditional food donations. In addition to non-perishable food items, the pantry distributes hygiene products, paper goods and other essential supplies while available.
“We want to raise awareness that the pantry distributes non-food items when they are available, including toiletries, paper products and menstrual supplies,” Illan said. “Condiments are also important, since food insecurity can be made worse when only bland or plain foods are accessible.”
The Golden Grizzlies Pantry accepts shelf-stable food items, refrigerated perishables, hygiene products and gift cards to local stores. Items such as expired food, frozen items, medications and homemade food are not accepted.
In-demand items currently include canned meat such as tuna and chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, spices and condiments, microwaveable meals and hygiene products. The pantry also accepts dietary-specific options, including halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items.
Donation drop-off locations for the drive include the Golden Grizzlies Pantry, the Center for Multicultural Initiatives and the Gender and Sexuality Center. Donations can be dropped off during pantry hours of operation or in designated donation bins on campus.
Not-Just-Food-Drive is one of several events taking place during African American Celebration Month, which runs from Jan. 19 to Feb. 19. The month-long celebration highlights the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans and reflects OU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by food and financial insecurity,” Illan said. “LGBTQ+ communities and communities of color often face overlapping challenges, and those at the intersection of these identities may experience increased need for campus resources.”
African American Celebration Month is organized by the Center for Multicultural Initiatives and features a variety of educational, cultural and community-based events throughout the month. Events are open to students, faculty, staff and community members.
The Gender and Sexuality Center frequently collaborates with other campus offices and resources to support student well-being and access to essential services.
“We aim to build mutually beneficial relationships with campus services that support student success,” Blake said. “Many LGBTQ+ students and allies rely on the pantry both as a resource and as a service opportunity.”
In addition to providing immediate support through essential items, Not-Just-Food-Drive encourages a sense of community engagement and social responsibility among OU students. By participating in the drive, students have the opportunity to contribute to a campus-wide effort that directly addresses food insecurity.
A full list of in-demand pantry items and information on how to donate is available through Oakland University’s Office of Student Involvement website. Additional information about African American Celebration Month events can be found through the Center for Multicultural Initiatives.