The Food Recovery Network (FRN) is making a comeback on campus, and it’s helping the Crawford County Mental Health Awareness Program (CHAPS) feed more people in Meadville. CHAPS offers vital services, including mental health support, housing assistance, and meals for those in need.
Originally started in 2013, the FRN faded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the Office of Sustainability is working to revive it by donating food from the campus dining hall.
Kelly Boulton, the Director of Sustainability, along with new sustainability manager Madeline Yeatts, aims to build a stronger Green Coalition of sustainability groups, including the FRN. They are reaching out to students through events and presentations to encourage participation. Yeatts emphasizes the importance of inviting new volunteers each week to prevent burnout.
Many students may hesitate to join due to uncertainty. To address this, Yeatts created a sign-up sheet on SignUpGenius, allowing newcomers to see who else is participating and fostering a sense of community.
FRN volunteers gather leftover food from Brooks Dining Hall. “The staff has been very supportive,” says Boulton. They guide volunteers to the food that needs rescuing, making the process easier.
Every meal rescued leads to new opportunities. CHAPS is now providing three additional meals a week at their drop-in center. In winter, they offer a warm space for community members between open library hours and nighttime shelters.
Yeatts notes that donating just one hour a week can result in three meals for those who might otherwise go hungry. “Many people want to give back but don’t know how,” she explains. This initiative is a simple way to get involved and support the community.
Boulton adds that sustainability is not just about the environment; it encompasses economic and social aspects, too. “It’s about finding where there’s excess and need,” she says.
CHAPS has operated a drop-in center since 1988, open every day to support those facing mental health issues, unstable housing, or addiction. This space offers computers, games, and social support, combating loneliness for community members.
Lynn McUmber, Executive Director of CHAPS, has seen the impact of the FRN. “It helps our tight budget,” she explains. CHAPS collaborates with local meal providers but focuses on filling gaps, like offering evening and weekend meals.
They serve warm meals on weekends and have expanded to Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings using rescued food from the college. McUmber reports that about 75 people visit CHAPS daily, with around 30 staying for dinner.
“The meals are nutritious and not just fillers,” she shares. “We’re serving real, healthy food like meats, rice, and macaroni and cheese.” This initiative allows people to come together, share a meal, and reduce feelings of isolation.
As communities continue to face challenges, programs like FRN and CHAPS highlight the importance of collaboration and care. They not only address immediate needs but also foster a sense of belonging in Meadville. This spirit of giving back is vital for building strong, supportive communities.
For further reading on community support initiatives, you can check the National Alliance on Mental Illness for resources and information on mental health awareness.
