CHICO – February is one of the most important months on the calendar year for Chico State Athletics, for it is a time when the Wildcats team up with the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and its fellow members for their annual conference-wide Basic Needs Drive. For Chico State, it will make its effort by stocking up the University's Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry.
 
Also known to Chico State as 'Pack the Pantry,' the Basic Needs Project will begin February 19, the busiest week of the 2023-24 Athletics spring semester as the Wildcat softball, men's and women's basketball teams will be home in action. The softball team opens the 2024 home schedule against Cal State San Bernardino February 23 at noon and February 24 at 11 a.m. The hoops programs will be closing their home schedule that week against Cal State Dominguez Hills on February 22 and Cal State LA two days later. Both dates will be at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. tipoff times.
 
You can donate monetarily by visiting ChicoWildcats.com/PackthePantry and every dollar will count for two items. You can also drop off a donation at Chico State's home events during the week or at the Pantry itself located at the Student Services Center, Room 196.
 
All donations are accepted and appreciated. However, the Pantry aims to stock up on nutritious foods and desired items to support our Wildcats, and is especially in need of the following:
 
• Canned proteins (chicken, fish)
• Dry proteins (beans, lentils)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Canned soups
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Nutritious snacks such as protein bars
• Rice
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and body wash
 
With your assistance and generosity, the Wildcat Hungry Food Pantry can continue its important work in easing the food insecurity burdens of Chico State students as well as student-athletes.
 
The CCAA's Basic Needs program, which is in its 14^th year, was previously named the CCAA Food Drive but rebranded to the CCAA Basic Needs Drive last year. The project began in 2011 and was designed to raise awareness of the plight of those facing hunger and food insecurity in communities surrounding the conference's member institutions.