By: Kathryn Andes
Staff Reporter
On Tuesday March 19 Sacred Heart University hosted the second annual Hunger Project in partnership with Meals of Hope.
Meals of Hope helps to provide meals to people who suffer from hunger in cities across the U.S. including Fairfield, Conn. and Naples, Fla.
“The mission of the Hunger Project is to help alleviate the issue of hunger in the local Bridgeport area and throughout Connecticut. To put it into perspective, there are over 34,000 children in Fairfield County alone that struggle with hunger. We want to help be part of the solution to this problem,” said junior and co-chair of the Hunger Project Anthony Smith.
Many students at SHU volunteered in the project including members of the student government, clubs on campus, and members of sororities and fraternities.
“As a SHU community, we all come together to support this wonderful cause through our fundraisers to give back to local food pantries and soup kitchens in the community,” said Student Government President, Sarah Kosha.
The SHU student government and Meals of Hope packaged 50,820 meals at this year’s Hunger Project.
According to mealsofhope.org, “Meals of Hope began as a food packing organization, and we are the only food packing organization with a priority on keeping the food packed within the United States. We developed five meals specifically designed for the American palate and added vitamins, minerals and proteins to supplement an unbalanced diet”.
There are many ways to contribute to the cause including volunteering to package food or donating funds and resources.
“The Hunger Project is important because it gives students the opportunity to have a positive first-hand effect in the fight against hunger in the local community. Faculty, staff, and students are able to participate by donating $5 to purchase a t-shirt or donate online,” said Smith.
In addition to participating in the Hunger Project, student government at Sacred Heart also volunteers in a seasonal turkey drive.
“In the fall, Student Government hosts our annual Turkey drive where we fundraise to buy and hand out turkeys to families in need during the holiday season. We as a student government have handed out over 5,000 turkeys in the last 8 years,” said Kosha.
Service is a valued part of the community at Sacred Heart, as Greek Life and the office of volunteer services also participates in community service organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and volunteers as mentors in the local elementary schools.
“Service is most definitely an important part of the SHU community. We were ranked #20 by the Princeton Review for logging over 100,000 community service hours! It is amazing to see the school community give back,” said Smith.
The student government exceeded their goal of 50,000 meals packaged and hopes to continue the Hunger Project each year to help give back to the community and end hunger.
“One person can make a difference but a strong community together can make an impact,” said Class of 2021 President, Gabe Bitencourt.
