Farming Students Fight Food Deprivation

https://youtu.be/bb8kn2bwDxE

Volunteers and students from the University of Florida's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences are celebrating the thousands of meal kits that will soon reach those facing severe food deprivation.

Today marked the 6th annual CALS Day of Service in which the University and Florida and Rise Against Hunger have partnered to help end world hunger.

According to the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, the number of people who face food deprivation has increased from to nearly 821 million in 2017 from 804 million in 2016.

These statistics are what encouraged the students, faculty, and staff of the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to raise funds to purchase food supplies and then package the meals for families across the world facing food insecurity.

Stephanie Delahoz, the community engagement director of Orlando’s Rise Against Hunger, explains that the initiative is truly a team effort.

"“We have it broken down into different stations. So the very first one is our funnel station, so volunteers are putting all of our dry ingredients into the meal bag. We’re having other volunteers take this bag to the next station which is where our scales are and we’re weighing the bags, the bags are getting sealed, and then they’re being put into boxes at the end. It truly comes down to being a collaborative effort,” said Delahoz.

Volunteers measure soy product and place it into a meal kit bag which will be distributed globally to families facing food insecurities. Previously, packaged meal kits from the University of Florida have gone to homes in Honduras, Guatemala, and Haiti.

Each kits contain rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vitamin packets that will help nourish up to six people. Over 30-thousand kits were measured, sealed, and boxed today by students and volunteers.

This initiative continues to leave a lasting impact not only on families in need but on the lives of students who are choosing to give back.

21-year-old Animal Sciences senior, Warren Miles, says he is especially grateful for this opportunity.

“The importance of this event for me is I come from a pretty big family and I’ve seen my parents go through high and low points trying to provide for us. I want to be able to give back to other communities that aren’t as fortunate and are impoverished," said Miles, "So being able to give them the necessity of food brings joy to my heart because around the Thanksgiving season it just puts a lot into perspective.”

The Day of Service partnership between the University of Florida and Rise Against Hunger will continue to work towards bringing families and those facing food insecurity the resources they need to stay properly nourished. The college and organization hope to continue this initiative and work towards their goal of eliminating food deprivation by the year 2030.

Listen to the full audio story here: https://soundcloud.com/taylour-marks/farming-students-fight-food-deprivation