Everyone knows that you should eat fresh foods to stay healthy, however, many people in Troy, Alabama do not have access or the money to enjoy fruits and veggies. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not only expensive, but perishable, and therefore hard for people to donate without risk of spoiling. Considering all of this, the Campus Kitchen Project here at Troy University seeks buy and deliver fresh foods to children and senior citizens in Pike County.
The Campus Kitchen at Troy University is a weekly project that captures leftover food from Troy University Dining Services and reapportions it into meals that are delivered to Head Start, the Boys and Girls Club, the Christian Love Center, and the Senior Nutrition Center. We had more than 80 student volunteers in 2017, totaling more than 400 service hours. Through the work of these volunteers, we recovered almost 5,000 pounds of food, and served more than 4,000 meals to the Pike County community.
Through Feb. 23, we are hosting an online fundraiser to raise funds to buy fresh foods for our community clients to expand our efforts through the Campus Kitchen. “Raise the Dough” is an event organized by the national Campus Kitchen Project to assist participating campuses in raising money for food and supplies. All donations of $100 or less will be matched by the founder of Craigslist, Craig Newmark.
On Valentine’s Day, Campus Kitchens held a new donation event called “Valentines and Veggies.” The sisters of Alpha Omega Pi signed Valentine’s cards for us to deliver to the Senior Center, and we brought carrots and apples for patrons. With the money raised from the “Raise the Dough” fundraiser, we hope to do more fresh food deliveries such as this to Head Start, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Senior Nutrition Center. Those wishing to donate may do so online at https://www.razoo.com/story/Rtd18-Cktroy.
If you have questions about Troy’s Campus Kitchen and this fundraiser, please reach out to me at livingstona@troy.edu. I thank all of you in advance for your support of our efforts.
