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Rutgers-Camden helps in hunger fight
Monday, July 6th, 2009 – Philadelphia Inquirer
By Megan DeMarco – mdemarco@phillynews.com
A Rutgers University initiative aimed at easing hunger across New
Jersey has collected more than 20 tons of food in its first months,
officials said last week.
Rutgers Against Hunger, which launched in November and will continue
indefinitely, takes a wide-ranging approach to fighting hunger
that includes donations, volunteering, community outreach, and
education.
Faculty, staff members, alumni, and students participating in the
university-wide program have raised nearly $49,000 and collected
more than 20 tons of food, including more than 700 pounds donated
in the name of Rutgers-Camden to the Food Bank of South Jersey.
Rutgers-Camden students spent the spring semester collecting and
volunteering for a yearlong food drive to benefit the Pennsauken
Food Bank. Ten cans were placed at different locations on campus
for students to drop items in, while five student organizations competed
to see who could donate the most nonperishable items (to win a pizza
party).
At several annual campus entertainment events - a poetry night, a
student drag show, a spring concert - representatives from the Food
Bank set up an information table to collect food and donations and
to let students know how to get involved.
Volunteers helped stock shelves and prepare bags at the Food Bank
and collected financial donations through a virtual food drive online.
"We are thrilled that Rutgers has launched Rutgers Against Hunger and dedicated
such a significant amount of resources and time to helping those suffering from
food insecurity in New Jersey," said Val Traore, Food Bank chief executive
officer.
Other participants across the university contributed in a variety
of ways, including donating the cost of a meal at a dining hall,
volunteering at other food banks, teaching better nutrition to New
Jersey families, conducting food research, gathering produce, and
collecting donations during one of several food drives on the different
campuses.
"Too many of our fellow New Jersey residents are struggling to provide food
for themselves and their families," said university president Richard McCormick. "The
first months of Rutgers Against Hunger have shown that our community is eager
to give unselfishly of its time, talents, and resources to help those in need."
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