
The Maitripa Community Food Drive
December 1 - December 14
Announcing the Maitripa Community Food Drive
December 1–14, 2025 (ending on Lama Tsongkhapa Day)
In conversations with our students and community members, a heartfelt question emerged: How can we actively express our bodhichitta in these challenging times, when so many are experiencing increased food insecurity?
The Maitripa Community Food Drive is our collective response.
From Monday, December 1 through Sunday, December 14, we invite the Maitripa community to bring offerings of non-perishable, unopened food items to the labeled receptacle in the Maitripa College lobby. On December 14 (Lama Tsongkhapa Day), all donations will be offered to the Oregon Food Bank, which currently serves more than 750,000 people in our region who are facing hunger and food insecurity.
What to Donate
Please offer healthy, non-perishable items such as:
- Whole grains (rice, oats, quinoa)
- Nut butters
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Shelf-stable milk
- Cooking oils (canola, olive)
- 100% fruit or vegetable juices
- Pasta sauce
- Baby formula and baby food
Guidelines
Items must be shelf-stable, in original unopened commercial packaging (no homemade items). Acceptable containers include cans, boxes, or plastic.
Please do not donate items in glass containers.
What Not to Donate
To ensure safety and compliance, please do not offer:
- Perishable foods
- Homemade foods
- Unlabeled or dented cans
- Expired products
- Opened packages
- Alcohol
- Any items packaged in glass
By coming together in this simple and generous way, we practice compassion in action and honor the spirit of Lama Tsongkhapa Day.
Thank you for supporting our community with your presence and your offerings.

