App State alumnus David Mofford ’09, right, and Zac Giffin made a generous donation to establish the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub at the App State Hickory campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s Hickory campus is now home to the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub — a vital resource for Mountaineers who are experiencing food insecurity. The food pantry was funded by a generous donation from local residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin.
This newest location joins the expansive campus food pantry network of the university’s Mountaineer Food Hub — a program managed by the office of Sustainability and Energy Management. The hub includes 17 pantry locations on the Boone campus and a satellite location at the App State Academy at Middle Fork lab school in Walkertown.
A Feb. 28 ceremony celebrated the opening of the food pantry, which is the first space to be dedicated on the App State Hickory campus. The event was attended by the donors and their families, as well as university leaders and members of the App State Hickory community.
During the dedication, App State Dean of University Libraries Sue Polanka said of Mofford and Giffin, “Both of them have wonderful, giving hearts, and today we honor them for their outstanding character and support of App State students.”
Polanka helps manage the food pantry in Belk Library and Information Commons on the Boone campus and has been a steadfast advocate for providing resources to combat food insecurity. Library staff at the Hickory campus oversee the new Mofford and Giffin Food Hub.
App State alumnus David Mofford ’09, far right in background, addresses the crowd at the dedication of the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub, funded by Mofford and his spouse, Zac Giffin. The event was held Feb. 28 at the App State Hickory campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Addressing food insecurity
Recent studies indicate that more than 44 million people in American households experience food insecurity at some point — and at least 1.2 million North Carolinians, approximately 11% of the population, experience food insecurity.
“When you are hungry, or worried about your next meal, it’s very hard to learn,” said Polanka. “App State’s food hubs help our students, faculty and staff rise above these challenges, to eliminate the worry and help ensure our students can thrive.”
In 2024, the university’s network of food pantries distributed more than 28,000 pounds of food on App State’s campuses, welcoming more than 3,000 visitors during the fall semester alone.
“David and Zac are helping extend this important work to our Hickory campus,” Polanka said.
The dedication of the Mofford and Giffin Food Hub was held Feb. 28 at the App State Hickory campus. The food pantry was made possible by a generous donation from local Hickory residents David Mofford ’09 and Zac Giffin. Pictured, from left to right, are Giffin; Mofford; App State Acting Provost Neva J. Specht; Interim Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Will Sears; Dean of University Libraries Sue Polanka; and Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor J.J. Brown. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Giving back to fellow Mountaineers
Mofford and Giffin both cite past personal experiences as important motivating factors in their commitment to giving back to their communities.
Mofford, a Hickory native and 2009 graduate of App State, served as president of the Student Government Association during his time as a student, providing him with a broad awareness of the needs of App State students, including food insecurity.
He said his parents — who were local business owners in the Catawba Valley until their retirement — instilled in him a strong sense of philanthropy and community support, which is reflected in his support of the first food pantry at the Hickory campus.
“The Appalachian family has always stepped up to help each other in times of need, and with this contribution, we’re glad to help bring a vital service to the Hickory campus,” said Mofford. “The Mountaineer Food Hubs across the university provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for support during times of need. We’re hopeful that this will be a great resource for many years to come.”
Mofford’s spouse, Giffin, is equally invested in giving back to the Hickory community. Giffin has spent his career helping others, having worked for Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs, where he supported philanthropic efforts for Duke Children’s Hospital and Duke Cancer Institute.
Opportunities to give
Gifts to the Mountaineer Food Hub can be made online or by contacting Jeff McPherson at [email protected].
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About Sustainability at Appalachian
Appalachian State University’s leadership in sustainability is known nationally. The university’s holistic, three-branched approach considers sustainability economically, environmentally and equitably in relationship to the planet’s co-inhabitants. The university is an active steward of the state’s interconnected financial, cultural and natural resources and challenges students and others think critically and creatively about sustainability and what it means from the smallest individual action to the most broad-based applications. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs that focus on sustainability. In addition, 100 percent of Appalachian’s academic departments offer at least one sustainability course or course that includes sustainability, and all students graduate from programs that have adopted at least one sustainability learning outcome. Learn more at https://appstate.edu/sustainability.
About University Advancement
Appalachian State University’s Division of University Advancement supports and encourages the university’s mission by engaging alumni, friends and the greater community. University Advancement staff help connect these constituents with Appalachian through one-on-one contact and special programming, thereby securing the resources necessary to create the best possible learning environment for Appalachian students and to positively impact the community, region and state. The division incorporates the offices of Alumni Affairs, Development and the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. Learn more at http://give.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
