BU students repackage 12 tons of food
Twelve tons of food from BU's campus dining service, Aramark, has been repackaged and distributed to those in need in the Bloomsburg community. The program, the Bloomsburg University Food Recovery Project, concluded its third year at the end of Earth Week, celebrated from April 20 to 24.
Every weeknight, Aramark personnel gathered unsold food, which students repackaged and stored in coolers. Another volunteer picked up the food and delivered it to an area agency, including the Women's Center and the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard. Aramark provided gloves, utensils and some of the containers needed for the work.
Approximately 50 to 150 pounds of food was repackaged each night, said Tim Pelton, civic engagement coordinator in BU's SOLVE volunteer office. The following student groups assisted in this year's program: Spanish Club, Honors Program, Civic Engagement Living Learning Community, Helping Professions Living Learning Community, National Student Speech, Language and Hearing Association and Protestant Campus Ministry. Each group selected a night when they were responsible for providing volunteers to package the food in deli containers, then label and pack the containers in boxes. Other individuals and student groups, including Greek organizations and living learning communities, also volunteered for the project.
Pelton said the program is expected to resume for fall semester 2009. For more information, contact the SOLVE Office at (570) 389- 4788 or Pelton at (570)389- 5437 or tpelton@bloomu.edu.