WSU/UW Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge helps support hungry students

Following Washington State University's victory over the University of Washington during the inaugural Apple Cup Food Challenge last year, Coug fans have another opportunity to show the Dawgs their passion for supporting students and fighting hunger.

The second annual WSU/UW Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge is underway, and fans of both schools have until midnight on Saturday, Sept. 20 to donate in support of their campus' food pantries. The school that raises the most money wins the competition.

"Coug were pretty fired up about last year's challenge," said Ben Calabretta, director of the Center for Civic Engagement. "A lot of people remember how well WSU did in the competition, and with all our campuses getting involved this year, we expect a lot more people will get involved."

Last year the Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge raised almost $20,000 to support the food pantries at WSU and UW. Of that total, WSU raised over $17,000 from 76 gifts.

Keeping up with increasing demand

With two out of five college students - more than 40% - facing food insecurity across the nation, food pantries are having a difficult time keeping up with the demand.

It is no different at WSU. During 2024-2025, WSU's pantries collectively facilitated over 58,000 student visits. The Pullman campus alone distributed an average of 25,000 pounds of food per month. Still, due to limited resources, each campus restricts the number of items students can access, weekly visits, or grocery vouchers students receive.

"Food is very expensive, and we can't rely solely on food donations to meet the needs of our students," Calabretta said. "That is why the Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge is important; it will make a big difference for students facing food insecurity across the WSU system."

All WSU campuses involved

This year, the money WSU raises will be distributed to food pantries and food security programs on all six campuses, based upon each campus' student population.

"At WSU Vancouver, we know firsthand the impact our pantry has on student success," said Grant Yenney, director of development. "Coming together as one WSU community to support that mission is incredibly meaningful."

Rafael Pruneda, director of development and alumni relations at WSU Tr-Cities, said over 270 people are expected to participate in his campus' first-ever Cougar football watch party on Sept. 13, a week before WSU faces-off with the Huskies on the field, and the Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge will be promoted at the event.

The WSU Global Campus does not have a food pantry, but some of its students experience food insecurity just the same. The Global Campus Food Voucher Program provides students with access to grocery vouchers that can be used in any store across the country. Andria Donnenwerth, director of student involvement on the Global campus, said the program helps an average of 300 students each semester.

"This challenge is about more than raising funds, it's about showing our online students that their needs are seen and supported," Donnenwerth said. "Every donation helps us put groceries on the table and hope in their hearts."

The Apple Cup Food Pantry Challenge was an idea hatched in 2024 by Androu Luzader, a 2025 WSU graduate and former Cougar Food Pantry advisory board member. It is intended to be a friendly competition to help fight hunger among students across the state. Faculty and staff are encouraged to help spread the word about the challenge and can find a link to special social media graphics designed just for the event on the official website.

"While we encourage folks to embody the competitive spirit that surrounds the Apple Cup, Calabretta said, it is important to remember that no matter which school wins this challenge, it is the students who utilize the food pantries on both campuses that are the true winners."