Food waste is a growing issue, especially on college campuses where busy schedules, dining, and lack of awareness can lead to significant waste. However, the UW Food Pantry plays a vital role in addressing food waste and insecurity, helping students and eliminating food waste.
How Students Can Reduce Food Waste
- Plan Smartly: Create a weekly meal plan and stick to a shopping list to avoid buying more than you need. Use apps to track expiration dates of items or meal prep to ensure nothing goes to waste.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Combine leftovers into new meals (e.g., soups, stir-fries, or wraps) or organize a “leftovers swap” with roommates or friends to share excess food before it spoils.
- Donate Unused Food: Before leaving for breaks, donate unopened, non-perishable items to the UW Food Pantry or similar organizations. Especially with the holidays approaching and longer breaks like Winter Break coming up, this would be a great time to check to see if there’s anything you can donate. You can also host donation drives in your dorm or campus organizations to collect surplus food.
Ways That Students Can Support Locally
- Volunteer: Help collect and organize surplus food, including fresh produce from the UW Farm.
- Advocate: Spread awareness about food waste and insecurity among classmates and within campus organizations.
- Utilize Resources: If you’re a student facing food insecurity, use the pantry to supplement your needs instead of letting food go to waste in your kitchen.
Interested in Getting Involved?
The UW Food Pantry is always looking for more volunteers whether it’s just you or a group! To join the Pantry volunteer team, fill out this interest form. To volunteer as a group (RSOs, Greek chapters, etc.), please complete this form. You can also host a food drive for the pantry or join the Gleaning Team to help distribute food. More information can be found here https://www.washington.edu/anyhungryhusky/get-involved/!
If you are a student that is facing food insecurity or are struggling with access to healthy options try visiting the pantry. The UW Food Pantry is located by Poplar Hall, 1311 NE 41st St. Enter through the north side of the building at Brooklyn and 41st. Check out their website here https://www.washington.edu/anyhungryhusky/the-uw-food-pantry/ for more information!
