Food Resources and the CMU Food Drive

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 // Forbes Avenue

Today on Forbes Avenue, we spoke to Jennifer Zgurich from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; Carole Panno, a Associate Director of Development here at Carnegie Mellon, who has been involved in the food drive for more than 30 years; and Jonathan Anguiano, who oversees the CMU Pantry.

The Carnegie Mellon Food Drive is happening until November 8th. Every year, CMU partners with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to combat food insecurity. Carole and Jennifer discussed the collaboration and its history, as well as how to give. Donations are focused on cash, because the buying power of the food pantry means that $1 can purchase up to 3 meals, but you can find drop-off points to donate non perishable food across campus. The Food Drive is also collecting can openers to donate to the CMU Pantry.

Jennifer emphasized that there is no shame in getting extra help at a food bank. You can go to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s website to get help with food today. For Carnegie Mellon students, the CMU Food Pantry at the Residence on Fifth is also available to provide free food. Jonathan talked about some of the initiatives that the Pantry is working on, as well as the best way to reach out (call 412-268-8704 if it’s an emergency or email . Otherwise, schedule an appointment to go take advantage of the Pantry’s resources).

Listen to the episode: Food Resources and the CMU Food Drive

For more information about finding or donating food in the Pittsburgh area, WESA and Kidsburgh have created guides.

Riona Duncan, host, audio editor, audio engineer, researcher
Recorded October 31, 2025; WRCT debut November 5 2025