In the spirit of the holiday season, UNCG recognizes it is a time of need for many people in the community, including some Spartans. Opportunities to serve them arise thanks to clubs such as the Food Recovery Network, the Spartan Open Pantry’s community outreach, and Light the Way funds that make sure students don’t have to choose between their basic needs and their academics.
The Food Recovery Network is a national organization. UNCG’s chapter began in 2014 and primarily works with the cafeteria to fight food waste and feed people in the Greater Greensboro community. Its student members package unused food and supplies from Fountain View Dining and deliver it to charitable groups such as the Salvation Army, Spartan Open Pantry, and Greensboro Urban ministries.
The Food Recovery Network meets twice a week on Wednesdays and on Fridays. They average about 100 pounds of food that would have otherwise been wasted per recovery.
“It is a really meaningful way for members of the UNCG community to get involved with fighting corporate waste on their own campus,” says Victoria Wall, secretary of Food Recovery Network. “Sometimes being in college feels like being sheltered, but if you go to UNCG, you are part of the larger Greensboro community. Food Recovery Network is a great way to bridge that gap between campus and the wider Greensboro community in a meaningful way. Our slogan is ‘Fighting Food Waste and Feeding People.'”
Both members and volunteers with the Food Recovery Network must complete food safety training so that they can be sure that everyone remains safe during the collection and transportation of the food. Every Monday and Wednesday the club meets in the downstairs kitchen area, to complete their sorting and packaging.
“Our primary goal for this academic year is to continue our work with a little bit more intentionality,” says Wall. “That includes learning about the nature of food insecurity in the United States, specifically in Greensboro. We co-sponsored an Office of Intercultural Engagement dialogue a few weeks ago about food apartheid in Greensboro. Our primary focus right now is to not only help to fight waste, but to raise awareness about food insecurity in general.”
While the club is not operating over the break, they are getting the word out about where Spartans can go.
“The Spartan Open Pantry stays open throughout the full calendar year,” says Wall “They not only have dry and canned goods, but they also have fresh produce, the gardening club provides their produce to them, and members are allowed to take some of the produce home. Greensboro Urban Ministry, our partner, has a soup kitchen open every day, even on the holidays. They have a food pantry as well.”
The Spartan Open Pantry, founded by Wesley-Luther, is UNCG’s food pantry for students and staff who need assistance. From foods that are always available on the pantry shelves, to the hot and ready “SOPtoGO” meals, to the annual meal of Thanksgiving, it plays a crucial role in supporting the community with a warm heart and open arms. It gave out more than 47 thousand pounds of food in 2022.
Additionally, The Light the Way campaign has funds to ensure that no Spartan goes without during this holiday season. The Student Assistance Funds for Emergency (SAFE), established by the Class of 1967, provides funds for students who experience unexpected, short-term financial emergencies. The Light the Way campaign also supports the Spartan Food Insecurity Fund. Donors’ gifts help stock food cabinets on campus and Spartan Open Pantry.
With nearly one in three UNCG students reporting experiencing food insecurity within the past 12 months, these funds are a true lifeline.
Wall recommends that people research food insecurity, particularly its impact on Guilford Country. Spartans can learn more through the Office of Intercultural Engagement and their Kaleidoscope program, where student coordinators of peer education host regular dialogues.
Story by Dana Broadus, University Communications
Photography courtesy of Food Recovery Network
