Sacred Heart University Dining Donates Excess Food Weekly to Food Rescue US – Fairfield County

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—SHU Dining at Sacred Heart University is excited to announce a partnership with local food recovery organization, Food Rescue US – Fairfield County. Food Rescue US – Fairfield County will pick up excess food each week from Sacred Heart University’s all-you-care-to-eat dining hall, 63’s.

The donation will be delivered to social service agencies supporting individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Bridgeport and Fairfield. Undergraduate student Nathan Saldinger played a key role in developing this partnership that will further Sacred Heart’s mission of serving the local community.

“While our all-you-care-to-eat dining programs like 63’s offer the value and variety that students today are looking for, there is a higher potential for waste,” said Kayla Hawley, marketing director for SHU Dining. “We are able to predict and analyze how much food is needed each day based on participation; however it’s not an exact science and this new program helps us divert food to those who need it most.”

Since its founding in 2011, Food Rescue US – Fairfield County has provided 26+ million meals and kept 35+ million pounds of food from landfill. Under the leadership of Site Director Danielle Blaine and Site Coordinator Haley Schulman, the site has grown significantly, welcoming new partnerships like this one.

Schulman said they work with over 170 food donors, many of which are schools and universities.

“Getting local schools and student groups involved in our mission has enabled us to strengthen our network of passionate volunteers. We have seen how involving students in food recovery instills long lasting habits of reducing food waste and builds awareness around food insecurity,” she said.

If you are a school with excess food and interested in donating, please contact Food Rescue US – Fairfield County at haley@foodrescue.us.