Members of the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, the Virginia Tech Dean of Students, and Sigma Phi Epsilon celebrate the Flex Out Hunger contributions in front of Dietrick Dining Center.
Virginia Tech Dining Services and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity have partnered for the Flex Out Hunger, aimed at raising funds for the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program and the Student Emergency Fund managed by the Dean of Students Office. The donations come from students with leftover dining money in their accounts at the end of the academic year, allowing them an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. Sigma Phi Epsilon was the face of the event and set up tables on the Blacksburg campus to reach out to the students.
The event this year raised over $25,000 for the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, which gets 75 percent of the total, and more than $8,000 for the Student Emergency Fund, which gets the remaining 25 percent.
Sigma Phi Epsilon and volunteers with the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program holding a check of Flex out Hunger contributions in front of Dietrick Dining Center. Photo By Darren Van Dyke.
The Flex Out Hunger program started in 2001 and since then has raised over $400,000 for the community. The Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program has been involved since the program’s inception, while contributions to the Student Emergency Fund began in 2016.
“One-third of the Virginia Tech population suffers from food insecurity at least once,” said Sigma Phi Epsilon President Anthony Hinojosa. “This yearly event involves the students and offers them a chance to help give back to the community.”
The money gathered from the students will be used to aid those around the entire Montgomery County community. The Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program supplies clothing, food, housing products, and financial help to those in need in the community.
“There is so much need for these donations. Many people do not realize how many in the community suffer from food insecurity,” said Phill Pappas, the assistance program’s president.
The contributions from the students and all those involved continues to impact the larger community in a positive way.
“I am astounded each year by our students’ spirit of Ut Prosim by giving their unused dining monies to two important organizations in our Hokie community. Sigma Phi Epsilon must be recognized for their energy and ability to engage the student population to give each year,” said Brian Grove, senior associate director of Dining Services.
Submitted by Virginia Tech
