Current Initiatives

Food for Fines

Food For Fines is an initiative to support the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry, while providing a cheaper opportunity to pay parking citations. Please note that donations can only be accepted during the donation period listed. Click here to learn more about the Food for Fines initiative, updated semesterly.

Victory Barrel

The winner of the annual ECU and NC State football game would decide ownership of the wooden barrel. It became a tradition every year that whoever won the bet won the wooden barrel, and the loser would scratch the score onto the barrel’s side. A new rivalry had been born. The rivalry would go on to have a positive impact in each of their school’s respective regions and on beautiful state of North Carolina. Eventually, the game would come to be known as the “Battle for the Barrel.” Click here to learn more about the Victory Barrel.

Boneyard Bell

The SGA Boneyard Bell will serve as a symbol of belonging for students from their very first day on campus, creating lasting memories they’ll carry with them long after graduation. Click here to learn more about the Boneyard Bell.

Scantrons/Bluebooks

The SGA has provided Scantrons and Blue Books, free of cost, to tens of thousands of students each year. While the program’s primary intention was to encourage students to seek out the SGA office and meet their representatives, it quickly evolved into a service that students relied on.

SGA wants students to succeed in their classes, and providing testing materials free of charge is just one way we work towards that goal.

How do I get a free Scantron/Blue Book?

Scantrons and Blue Books can be picked up during regular business hours at any of the following locations.
Student Government Office (Main Campus Student Center, Suite 223)
We will have them on the SGA Treasurer chest.

How many can I get?

Students will now be able to pick up any combination of scantrons as well as bluebooks.
Scantrons and Blue Books can still be purchased at the campus bookstore. SGA wishes you good luck on your exam!

What’s a Blue Book?

Blue Book is used for written exams, not all classes or majors require exams to be completed with a bluebook.

Swipe Out Hunger Program

Swipe Out Hunger at East Carolina University is a student-driven initiative designed to combat food insecurity on campus. By donating extra meal swipes from their dining plans, students can help provide free meals to those in need. This program fosters a spirit of community, compassion, and support, ensuring that no ECU student goes hungry.

Swipe Out Hunger is a collaboration between the Student Government Association (SGA), the Purple Pantry, and Dining Services. Together, we are committed to helping fellow students who face financial challenges and ensuring access to nutritious meals.

How It Works

  • Donating Meal Swipes: Students with meal plans can donate any unused or extra meal swipes to the Swipe Out Hunger program. These swipes will be used to provide meals for students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Receiving Meals: Students in need can confidentially access meals through the program by visiting the designated campus dining halls, including West End and Todd Dining Halls. Swipe Out Hunger is available to undergraduate, graduate, dental, and medical students who live off-campus.
  • Short-Term Assistance: Swipe Out Hunger is designed to provide short-term relief for students experiencing food insecurity or financial emergencies until they are able to secure other resources or funding
  • Simple and Impactful: It’s easy for students to participate, and every swipe donated can make a difference. With your help, we can ensure no student goes hungry.

Why It Matters

Food insecurity affects many college students, and ECU is dedicated to ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed academically and personally. The Swipe Out Hunger program provides a practical and sustainable solution to hunger, supporting a more inclusive and resilient university community.

Get Involved

  • Donate Your Swipes: Have extra meal swipes? Donate them through the GET Mobile app during designated donation periods. Your contributions will directly help students facing food insecurity.
  • Spread the Word: Raise awareness of the program and encourage others to participate. Help make a difference by telling your peers about Swipe Out Hunger.
  • Volunteer: Want to make an even greater impact? Volunteer with the Purple Pantry. For more information or to volunteer, please email PurplePantry@ecu.edu.

Impact

Since its inception, Swipe Out Hunger has provided vital support to countless ECU students. Your donations help reduce stress, improve academic performance, and ensure that all students have access to the nourishment they need. Together, we can fight food insecurity and create a stronger, more supportive community at ECU.

Get Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please reach out to the Purple Pantry for confidential support. The Purple Pantry is committed to helping students get the resources they need to thrive.

Contact Us

For more information or to learn how you can support or benefit from Swipe Out Hunger, please contact us:

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our peers and contribute to build a stronger, more connected ECU community.