AUGUSTA, GA. - Through recent donations at Augusta University basketball games, the athletic department has donated 400 pounds of non-perishable items to the Open Paws Pantry. The pantry helps served AU students who are having food insecurity issues free of charge.

Those attending games in recent weeks have delivered in a big way with the donations. 

"USDA data shows that almost one in four undergraduate students experience food insecurity, and recent surveys at Augusta University revealed that around one in seven students have gone 24 hours without a meals," said DJ Roberts, Campus Assesment Response and Evaluation case manager for Augusta University. "The athletic department's over 400 pounds of food has immediately impacted our campuses by substantially increasing the stock of the Open Paws Pantry, which has already started flowing into the hands of our students. Currently, this is the largest single donation this academic year."

Open Paws Pantry is open to any student currently enrolled at AU as they can access the items they may need.