JSU Newsroom
Nearly 25,000 pounds of sweet potatoes were distributed to a constant stream of vehicles Saturday, Aug. 17, at Jackson State University’s annual Crop Drop event, which provided free sweet potatoes to the community from 9 a.m. – noon.
“It’s part of our freshmen orientation week, and it’s allowing the students an opportunity to get their community service hours and meet our community,” said Heather Wilcox, director of community engagement at JSU. Transfer students are required to complete 60 community service hours while non-transfer students must finish 120 to graduate.
The potatoes are donated by the nonprofit Society of St. Andrew, participants in a gleaning grid throughout the state of Mississippi. “Gleaning is where you get access to crops that cannot be sold or the farmers are ready to plant their new crops,” explained Wilcox. “They typically will donate their produce, so they can get their farms ready for next season.”
Unofficially known as the sweet potato capital, the bulk of the sweet potatoes are from Vardaman, Mississippi, said the director.
“I think it’s important for us to do this event because some are more fortunate than others,” said Terry Bennett, prevention specialist for Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition. “It’s always good to give to those who may need it.”
A new feature of the Crop Drop was a sweet potato pie contest and seasonings like barbecue sauce, ketchup and honey mustard, plus vegetables from the Blackburn Middle School Garden were also given away. Overall, the event provides JSU students an opportunity to interact with the neighborhoods surrounding the HBCU while being a valuable community resource.
According to Wilcox, nearly 3,000 people were supplied with 2,500 bags of sweet potatoes, and approximately 153 students volunteered their services.
Students like Shaundra Bennett, a freshmen political science major, spent the morning unboxing, unwrapping and “getting in where she fits in.” The Jackson native said she never passes up a chance to serve.
“This Crop Drop brings a number of people out here who are in need, and I am more than happy to assist in any way possible,” she said. “There are some people in this area who may feel that they have nowhere to turn, and being that Jackson State University is the heart of the community, it’s only right that we get out here and help our fellow man.”
Bennett said she is looking to work in the public sector with a concentration in law and government, but for now, “it’s initiatives like the Crop Drop that are my focus.”
From a student perspective, the freshmen said volunteering is prepping for the future. “There is never a time where you’re too young to help. As we grow and become older, we will see what our work has done to impact our fellow man. This is a great experience for young people and adults,” she said, adding that she loves oven-roasted sweet potatoes. “You don’t even need sugar, just add a little cinnamon and some butter, and you are good to go.”
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