Viking Food Co. held its annual Vikesgiving on Nov. 21, allowing students, staff and faculty to celebrate with their friends and family at the CSU dining hall, Viking Marketplace. Along with the early celebration and spread of food, students were able to donate to “Lift Up Vikes! (LUV!),” a resource and food pantry for students on campus.

The mission of “LUV!” is to provide nutrition and supplements to students who may need the support while obtaining their degree. The pantry is open every month of the year and is located in BH122. 

“LUV!” provides a variety of dried and canned goods, hygiene products and fresh produce. The inventory does change due to the availability of the Greater Cleveland food bank, according to their website.

No student is required to disclose any information to use the pantry, except for their CSU ID number and a one-time contact and agreement form. The organization asks you not to record, take photographs or be on the phone while in the pantry. 

During Vikesgiving, “LUV!” held a food drive for students to bring items from a list of groceries. For every item, each student was given a raffle ticket to enter in a drawing to win a raffle basket that included a gift card to Viking Public House. 

After walking past their donation table, students were greeted with a vast spread of food to choose from, wrapping from the entrance of the dining hall to the Innerlink connecting the Student Center to Berkman Hall. Plenty of seats were filled as people enjoyed their meals.

Alongside food, festive drinks and desserts, the event included different photo opportunities for students, from an inflatable turkey to a fun backdrop outside the dining hall. 

For more information on how to receive supplements from “LUV!” or get involved with the organization, visit their website or contact them through email at liftupvikes@csuohio.edu.

Happy holidays from everyone at the Cleveland Stater!