Two Fordham University juniors devise a smart way to prevent unused student meals from going to waste
Two Fordham University juniors, Jack Wenz and Andres Caballero, have come up with a creative solution to prevent unused student meals from going to waste. They launched the Fordham Food Walks program in 2023, which has already donated over 8,000 deli sandwiches to Part of the Solution (POTS), a non-profit organization located just down the street from campus.
How it works
The program uses pre-purchased meals that go unused when students decide to eat off-campus. Students purchase meal plans at the beginning of each semester, but they can’t be reimbursed for anything unused. Fordham Food Walks collects these extra meals from the campus deli, The Grotto, and delivers them to POTS for distribution the next day.
A record-breaking day
On October 18, 2024, the group donated a record 772 sandwiches to POTS, breaking their previous record of 614. This brings their semester total to 2,870. The group is a student-run organization, and their efforts have been met with support from Deli workers and students alike.
POTS: A vital community resource
POTS is a non-profit organization that provides food, housing, medical help, and other essential services to the community. With the pandemic, demand for their services has increased, and they are grateful for the help from Fordham Food Walks. Taina Rodriguez, Associate Director of Food and Dignity Services, welcomes the initiative and is impressed by the passion and dedication of the students.
The Fordham Food Walks team in action
The group of volunteers, which includes Kirsten Rosas, Jack Wenz, Abigail Price, Sloane Duys, and Andres Caballero, collects sandwiches from around campus and delivers them to POTS. They face no obstacles, including rain, and ensure that the sandwiches are distributed promptly.
Conclusion
Fordham Food Walks is a shining example of student-led initiative and community engagement. The program has made a significant impact, and its success is a testament to the power of collaboration and social responsibility. As the program continues to grow, it is clear that it will remain a vital part of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Fordham Food Walks get started?
A: Fordham Food Walks was launched in 2023 by Jack Wenz and Andres Caballero, two Fordham University juniors.
Q: How does the program work?
A: The program collects unused student meals from the campus deli and delivers them to Part of the Solution (POTS) for distribution.
Q: How many sandwiches have been donated so far?
A: Over 8,000 deli sandwiches have been donated to POTS since the program’s inception.
Q: Why is POTS a vital community resource?
A: POTS provides food, housing, medical help, and other essential services to the community, and their demand has increased significantly since the pandemic.
