Meet Naomi, a sophomore who is combating hunger in Atlanta. She brought Campus Kitchens to Emory. Campus Kitchens is an organization works with student volunteers on college campuses to fight for hunger relief. Read more about Naomi’s work, and how you can get involved!
Her Campus Emory (HCE): How did you become involved in Campus Kitchens?
Naomi Maisel (NM): I went to the DUC one day and made the fatal mistake of looking inside the trash can. I was really disturbed by the amount of food waste we were generating and wanted to do something about it. I went to talk to the managers of Dunkin Donuts, Einstein’s and Panera about donating their leftover baked goods (bagels, muffins, etc.) but they were all very skeptical. I then turned to Emory Dining where our Senior Director Dave Furhman,(who is awesome) pointed me in the direction of Campus Kitchens as he was involved with it on Johns Hopkin’s campus.
HCE: How does Campus Kitchens help feed the hungry of Atlanta?
NM: The organization itself is truly incredible. Essentially we take leftover/unused food that would normally go to waste such as extra bananas or bagels and repurpose and donate them to local food kitchens and pantries. It is student-led and combines the issues of sustainable food waste management with accountability in consumption to fight hunger.
HCE: Why are you reaching out to a college campus to make this issue known?
NM: I have been reaching out to Emory’s campus because I want student organizations of all kinds to get involved and sign up to volunteer (even just once a month!). The work is pretty easy but the reward is great. This way we are facilitating community not only in Atlanta but on Emory’s campus as well.
HCE: How have you been broadcasting this issue? How can readers get involved?
NM: To advertise I have been passing around a video I created for the Campus Kitchen start-up grant competition and have spoken at a few food-related club meetings. I am telling everyone I know because I believe that this is an issue everyone has a say in. After all, everybody has gotta eat. To get involved readers should contact me, Naomi Maisel at namaise@emory.edu and check out Campus Kitchen’s website at www.campuskitchens.org for more details.