Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 18, 2005
Students Donate Thousands to Food Banks, Charities
University of Guelph students have donated $21,913 from their meal plans this semester to buy food for local charities. This is the highest amount ever raised at any Canadian university or college through Meal Exchange.
The students’ donations will be used to buy wholesale products for 14 organizations throughout the city that support abused women, homeless teens and people who use food banks. On March 20, dozens of U of G student volunteers will deliver the food to the organizations.
Meal Exchange is a national student-run organization that aims to engage students from 45 Canadian campuses in solving the problem of hunger in their communities. Through Meal Exchange’s “Skip a Meal” program, students buy specialty items that aren’t often collected in traditional food drives, such as ethnic and diabetic foods.
In the past year, U of G students have contributed more than $70,000 in food to local organizations through “Skip a Meal” and the Meal Exchange’s “Trick or Eat” Halloween food drive.
“This contribution would not have been possible without the support of devoted volunteers, students and our university,” said Thanu Nadarajah, a Meal Exchange co-ordinator at U of G. “I would like to think that this achievement will inspire everyone to look within themselves and make a difference in their own communities.”
U of G students have taken part in the “Skip a Meal” initiative since 1997 and have contributed $180,000 in food for local organizations. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from Quizno's Subs, the Co-operators and Hospitality Services,” said Anita Abraham, another Meal Exchange co-ordinator. “Their willingness to provide for this program has been critical to our success.”
For more information about the Meal Exchange program, visit their website , call (519) 824-4120, Ext. 58212, or email meal@uoguelph.ca.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rebecca Kendall, Ext. 56982.
