Pep Supper Raises Money, Supplies to Fight Food Insecurity

It may not have looked like a normal Pep Supper, but the results were just as impressive.

Each year, fraternities and sororities at the College of Charleston host the Pep Supper event to increase awareness about food insecurity both among CofC students and the local Charleston community. This year the pandemic caused organizers to turn the event into a virtual program.

“The main challenge we faced this year was creating new events for Pep Supper that were both engaging for Fraternity and Sorority Life, but also in compliance with all health and safety policies,” says Kyle McCoil, assistant director for the Higdon Center for Student Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life.

In the past, the main culminating event was the dance/skit competition that took place after a home volleyball game in TD Arena. This year, they decided to replace the dance/skit competition with a virtual TikTok Challenge. The traditional banner challenge for each sorority and fraternity continued on this year, but with a digital theme.

Sigma Nu Banner

The new format worked.

The College’s fraternity and sorority community raised more than $21,000 in donations and 1,3445 pounds of food items for the Lowcountry Food Bank. In addition, the Pep Supper also collected over 300 items for the Cougar Pantry, which serves CofC students.

“I feel that the success of this year’s Pep Supper proves that our students truly understand that the money and food donated in support of others are what truly matter,” says McCoil.