The MHCC Associated Student Government is helping students get free food and cheaper books on campus.

One of the current activities aiding that goal is the Food Drive for the Food Exchange in which classes compete against aeach other to raise the most food.

The Food Exchange, known as Barney’s Kitchen in years past, is a service provided by the student government where students can come and get free food. Last term, the Food Exchange went through 20-40 food items a week with students taking up to eight items a week.

Director of Community Affairs Jennifer Melberg is in charge of the Food Exchange and organized the food drive. Thus far, two classes have signed up, but Melberg said she hopes for 5-10 to join.

As with most food drives, the Food Exchange is looking for non-perishable food items. “All the food that is donated will be going to the Food Exchange,” said Melberg.
Melberg said donating to the food drive is important because it helps those in need. “I understand we are all students and possibly cannot afford to feed ourselves, let alone other students, but even if everyone in every class brought just a can of food, we would have so much to give back to those who need it,” she said.

Also, a Book Exchange Board has just been set up in the College Center. Similar to the Room for Rent Board, the Book Exchange Board is a place where students can place fliers for books they want to sell or buy. The board is located right outside the ASG offices. This service is free and all transactions go through the students directly. Prices for buying and selling are at the will of the students, so it is possible to buy for less and sell for more than the Book Store.

For more information on the Book Exchange Board or Food Drive, contact Melberg at [email protected] or call (503) 491-7224.