A Sustainability Leaders Mini-Grant provided funding to introduce recyclable plastic containers for a program that helps serve food to the hungry in Alamance County.
Meals prepared by Campus Kitchen Elon University are now delivered to nearby senior citizen centers in plastic containers rather than foam.
Every Tuesday, Campus Kitchen volunteers package meals for those in need in the Burlington community. Stacey Rusterholz, Campus Kitchen coordinator, applied for and received funding to cover the extra cost of containers starting this fall through the Sustainability Leaders Mini-Grant.
“One of our goals for this year was to make Campus Kitchen at Elon University operations more eco-friendly,” Rusterholz said.
Unlike foam, plastic containers can be recycled and reused. Efforts are ongoing to identify compostable containers that meet certain criteria.
The Sustainability Leaders Mini-Grant provides up to $1,000 for projects that increase sustainable practice in the workplace. Any faculty or staff member who has attended a “Creating a More Sustainable Workplace” session with the Office of Sustainability is eligible to apply for the grant.
“Campus Kitchen is already doing a lot to contribute to sustainability by providing an opportunity for service learning, helping to meet community needs, and incorporating Loy Farm produce,” said Jessica Bilecki, education and outreach coordinator Office of Sustainability. “It is great to see this improvement!”
To volunteer or for more information about Campus Kitchen email campuskitchen@elon.edu