Finance & Administration Division Breaks Records with ‘Half-Ton’ Valentine’s Food Drive

For the third consecutive year, Stony Brook University's Division of Finance & Administration (F&A) has demonstrated that the heart of the Seawolf community is stronger than ever. During its annual Valentine's Day Food Drive, the division surpassed its ambitious goals, collecting a record-breaking 921.94 poundsof food to benefit the Stony Brook University Seawolves Pantry.

The drive, which ran from February 9-13, challenged F&A teammates to beat last year's impressive total of 836.58 pounds. Not only did the team exceed the weight goal, but the volume of donations saw a massive surge, with 1,767 items collected - a significant increase over the 1,464 items donated in 2025.

"Our F&A team continues to raise the bar for what it means to support one another," said Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration Jed Shivers. "Reaching nearly 1,000 pounds of donations is a notable achievement that speaks directly to the character and compassion of our staff."

The timing of the drive remains critical. As the cost of staples continues to impact many, the Seawolves Pantry serves as an essential resource for students, faculty, and staff. The pantry, located in the Stony Brook Union, provides a stable food source and critical supplies for those in need across campus.

"We are so grateful for the continued partnership with the Finance & Administration division," said Katie McCombs, Seawolves Pantry coordinator. "The variety and volume of items collected this week - ranging from essential proteins to personal care items -w ill go a long way in restocking our shelves for the spring semester."

The success of the drive was a divisional effort, with collection bins strategically placed throughout F&A offices, including the Administration Building, Research and Support Services (RSS), Suffolk Hall, and various operations centers.

Special thanks to the F&A teammates and divisional leaders whose support ensured the drive's success across more than a dozen campus locations. Stony Brook University continues to lead with compassion, proving that when Seawolves join together, they can make a monumental impact.

By the Numbers:

2026 Total: 921.94 lbs
2025 Total: 836.58 lbs
2024 Total: 700 lbs