The Campus Kitchen Project is a national organization that provides healthy meals to those in need. All of the meals are prepared and served by student volunteers. At this year鈥檚 2012 Campus Kitchen Project conference, the Campus Kitchen at 麻豆影院 won the Excellence in Programming Award for its outreach and programming efforts at the Haymaker Farmer鈥檚 Market.
The Haymaker Farmer鈥檚 Market draws a big crowd with each season. Over the summer, Campus Kitchen at 麻豆影院 State student volunteers made a new partnership with the farmers. The students conducted food demonstrations and provided nutrition information for the customers, and the local community embraced the students鈥 efforts.
鈥淚 think we received the award because our students are committed to making a difference in the community,鈥 said Ann Gosky, senior special assistant for quality initiatives and curriculum, and project advisor for the Campus Kitchen at 麻豆影院 State. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 evident. They鈥檝e been excited about the project from the beginning and they鈥檝e shared that excitement with other students.鈥
With this program, 麻豆影院 State students are working to spread the word about the Campus Kitchen organization to the local community, as well as the farmers and vendors at the market. The students have developed a solid relationship with the farmers and in return, the farmers donate their excess weekly produce to the Campus Kitchen.
鈥淭he farmers are happy that the produce doesn鈥檛 go to waste, we鈥檙e happy because we have this great product and the community is happy because we鈥檙e using it to feed those in need,鈥 Gosky said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great partnership and that鈥檚 really the effort that was recognized this year.鈥
The farmer鈥檚 market program began over the summer and runs all year. It will continue the outreach at The Junction in 麻豆影院 during the winter months.
A total of 33 schools across the United States have Campus Kitchens. The Campus Kitchen at 麻豆影院 State started in March 2011 and served 60 meals a week. Today, the student volunteers prepare and serve 260 meals per week and a meal supplement to an additional 60-100 of those in need in the community. The Campus Kitchen at 麻豆影院 State is open to all volunteers.
鈥淚 believe no matter your major or interest, you can find something at the Campus Kitchen Project that speaks to you and helps you better yourself and at the same time better the community in which we all live,鈥 said Christopher Vogliano, a 麻豆影院 State student majoring in nutrition and a regular Campus Kitchen volunteer.
Find more information about the Campus Kitchen at 麻豆影院 State, and how to volunteer