Single student donates 10,000 plastic bags to SNAC

Student Kassie Jenson turned a class project into a significant community contribution, collecting more than 10,000 plastic bags for the Student Nutrition Access Center. Originally a requirement for her MSLE 3800: Leadership class, the initiative quickly gained traction and became a larger effort to support sustainability and food accessibility on campus. 

Jenson, senior from Washington studying information systems, has a personal connection to SNAC.   

“I used SNAC during my second semester at USU when I was struggling to afford balanced meals,” Jenson said. “It made such a difference for me, and I wanted to give back.”   

Her project was inspired by repeated SNAC social media posts requesting plastic bag donations. Seeing an opportunity to gather unused resources, Jenson devised a plan to collect and donate bags in bulk.   

“I know so many people who have a bunch of bags shoved under their kitchen sink,” Jenson said. “This seemed like a simple way to help.”   

What started as a modest goal of 3,000 bags quickly escalated. Jenson designed a marketing graphic and spread the word through her workplace bulletin board, local Cache Valley online groups and word of mouth. She described the response as overwhelming.   

“I coordinated with people all over the valley, driving around to pick up thousands of bags,” she said. “Then I reached out to a Walmart district manager, and they donated 4,000 bags.”   

By the end of her collection efforts, she had gathered an estimated 10,229 bags.   

Jenson’s donation has had an immediate effect on SNAC’s daily operations. The pantry receives 800–900 visits per week, and most students use plastic bags provided at SNAC to carry their food home. 

“Kassie’s donation has helped us to reduce what we spend on purchasing plastic bags,” said SNAC student director Janna Cook. “It’s likely about $350 worth of bags, which allows us to allocate funds toward other essential resources.” 

Despite the project’s success, Jenson faced several unexpected hurdles. The sheer volume of bags became an issue.   

“I completely underestimated how much space 10,000 plastic bags would take,” Jenson said. “At one point, my entire stairway was lined with them.”   

Coordinating with donors also proved challenging.   

“Sometimes, I would arrange a pickup, drive to someone’s house and they wouldn’t be there,” Jenson said. 

Still, community support played a major role. 

“At least 30 people contributed bags, either dropping them off or having me pick them up,” Jenson said. “Friends helped with marketing and organization, which made a huge difference.”   

SNAC has explored alternatives to plastic bags in the past, including a donation from Ridley’s that provided 2,500 SNAC-branded reusable bags. Cook said SNAC encourages students to bring reusable bags if they have them and hopes to offer another round of reusable bags in the future. 

Jenson’s donation directly supports SNAC’s mission to provide food and resources to students in need. The bags allow students to carry groceries discreetly, a goal she said she understands firsthand. 

“I remember feeling a little embarrassed when I used SNAC,” Jenson said. “Having a bag made it feel more normal, like just carrying groceries.” 

Though Jenson is set to graduate soon, she hopes the initiative continues.   

“People keep asking if I still need bags,” Jenson said. “I might do this again in the fall if SNAC needs more.” 

Cook said regular plastic bag donation drives could be a possibility. Currently, SNAC accepts bag donations at its office in TSC 332B, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

She also hopes other students take on similar leadership projects.   

“My biggest advice is to not underestimate yourself,” Jenson said. “Just take the first step. You never know what you can accomplish until you try.”