ERDC employees donate more than 7,700 pounds of food to local pantries 

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Through their cutting-edge science, employees at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) work each day to deliver innovations that strengthen national security, support the military and improve the nation’s infrastructure and resilience. In recent weeks, that commitment has extended beyond the laboratory as ERDC personnel have taken on an added mission — giving back to the Vicksburg community. 

Beginning in October, donation boxes were placed throughout ERDC’s laboratories in Vicksburg to collect canned goods for local food pantries to help meet growing demand from families in the area. With personnel across ERDC participating, the effort morphed into a friendly competition among offices. The result? More than 5,200 pounds of food collected. 

“It’s heartwarming to see how our contributions can make a real difference in our local community and help those in need,” said Rhonda Taylor, director of the Office of Research and Technology Transfer, whose office brought in the most food at more than 2,400 pounds. “Together, we’re truly making a positive impact.”

Taylor also credited Maclain Orr, who spearheaded the initiative and helped drive participation across their office. “This achievement is a testament to our incredible team and our collective spirit of giving,” she said.

But with needs growing across the community, the ERDC team wasn’t finished. Facing freezing temperatures on three December mornings, employees greeted their coworkers and collected canned goods as they arrived at the gate — an effort that brought in an additional 2,500 pounds of food. 

“It was cold and early, but I was moved by just how many people were excited to give,” said Sara Robinson, chief of Protocol, Visitors, and Events at ERDC. “I’m incredibly proud of the ERDC team for turning generosity into action.”

Together, the multi-week food drive and gate collections brought in a final total of more than 7,700 pounds of donated food. 

“Raising over 7,700 pounds of food through our internal fall and holiday food drives is more than a number — it’s thousands of meals for our local community and a powerful reminder of what happens when people and compassion show up to work each day,” Robinson said.

Donna Cowart, treasurer of the Storehouse Community Food Pantry, said the contribution came at a critical time.  

“The impact of ERDC’s support is enormous, and you all have stepped up in a big way,” Cowart said. “Our numbers have grown immensely this year, and they continue to increase every week. Every donation helps keep us going.”