UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to Host Sixth Annual Day of Service

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – For the third year in a row, there has been a rise in world hunger, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The number of people who face chronic food deprivation has increased to nearly 821 million in 2017 from 804 million in 2016.

These statistics are what encourage the students, faculty and staff of the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) to continue their partnership with Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization. Through this collaboration, CALS raises funds to purchase food supplies to then package meals for families around the world facing food insecurity. Now in its sixth year, the CALS “Day of Service” event will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Straughn Center, 2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, Florida.

“A core value of the college is service, and our students have a direct impact on fighting global food insecurity through this service project,” said CALS Dean Elaine Turner. “We packed more than 25,000 meals last year and this year we have increased our goal to purchase and package more than 30,000 meals for those in need.”

This service project provides students, faculty, staff and alumni an opportunity to be part of a solution seeking to end food insecurity. October, which is World Hunger Awareness Month, provides an opportune time for individuals to sign up to volunteer this November event or make a donation that will go toward the cost of meals. Details for volunteering and donating can be found at http://cals.ufl.edu/dayofservice/.

Each packaged meal costs 29 cents. A $10 donation would provide 34 meals for families in need. As part of combating food insecurity in our own community, volunteers are asked to bring three nonperishable items for the Hitchcock Field & Fork Pantry on UF’s campus.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to participate in the CALS Day of Service event again,” said senior wildlife ecology and conservation student, Christine Krebs. “Having volunteered for this event the last three years has been rewarding. This event is a great way for various clubs, organizations, faculty, alumni and individual student volunteers to come together for a great cause.”

Since its founding in 1998, Rise Against Hunger has packaged more than 421 million meals to 74 countries. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the organization aims to make a global impact on hunger by building resilience, self-sufficiency and empowerment among communities.

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By: Dana Edwards, 352-392-1963, dana.edwards@ufl.edu

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) administers the degree programs of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The mission of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is to deliver unsurpassed educational programs that prepare students to address the world’s critical challenges related to agriculture, food systems, human wellbeing, natural resources and sustainable communities. The college has received more total (national and regional combined) USDA teaching awards than any other institution. Visit the CALS website at cals.ufl.edu, and follow CALS on social media platforms at @ufcals.

 

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Posted: October 29, 2018


Category: UF/IFAS
Tags: College Of Agricultural And Life Sciences, Day Of Service, Food Insecurity, Rise Against Hunger, World Hunger Awareness Month


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