Troy University’s Campus Kitchen Sees Added Support
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About one third of children in the Pike County community live below the federal poverty line, that’s according to leaders of a new Troy University initiative.
The university launched their Campus Kitchen to keep unused food from going to waste and in the four months since launching the groups efforts are exceeding expectations. Leebo Tyler, President of Leadership Team said, “Since the first time we did it our goal was just to do 60 meals and ever since our first day of inception we’ve been doing 120.”
That’s at least 120 meals put together each week from untouched extra food from Troy University.
Instead of going to waste, Troy University’s Campus Kitchen group brings it to two local non profits serving children in need. Tyler said, “it’s just a really good vibe as you go down there and you’re actually able to put your hands on something that’s actually a problem within your community.”
Volunteers will soon be moving beyond just distributing food thanks to a $5,000 sponsorship.
Jonathan Cellon, Coordinator Service Learning, Civic Engagement said, “We are going to be expanding into community garden partnering with three area agencies through our CoBank sponsorship through Campus Kitchens.”
Tyler said, “Excited to see the progression and see how much it grows from year to year because this is just our first year doing this, I’m excited to see two, three, years from now how ever long we can keep it sustained. I’m really excited for that.”
Because in just four months, more than one thousand meals haven’t gone to waste.
This is part of the Campus Kitchen Project based out of D.C. The money that will be used for the community gardens is through a $150,000 investment from CoBank. The money will be used by 7 campus kitchens to address rural hunger.
