NU Campus Kitchens Feeds the Hungry

Last summer at the downtown market, Americorp Vista worker, Kelly Koss, introduced herself.  I learned she was a recent graduate from the University of Maine with an MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition. This young dietitian impressed Friends with her dedication to help tackle the many issues of improving nutrition through education and access to healthy foods .  To serve the underserved, she joined Campus Kitchens NU, a real gem in this effort to combat local hunger. ( Below is Kelly’s description of CKNU.)

We are pleased to collaborate with CKNU and the Evanston Public Library on a Spring Film Series to educate about sustainable agriculture and food insecurity. Read all about the film series hereIn planning this series, a Campus Kitchens volunteer, Junior Chemistry major, Eseohi Ehimiaghe, designed our publicity. Another wonderful talent!

Vikki Proctor

Campus Kitchen at Northwestern University

The Campus Kitchen at Northwestern University (CKNU) is a non-profit organization and one of over 40 university programs that are part of a national organization called the Campus Kitchens Project. The mission of the Campus Kitchens Project is to engage student volunteers in reducing food waste and increasing access to nutritious food in their communities. Volunteers at the Campus Kitchen at Northwestern University recover prepared food from dining halls and nearby restaurants as well as fresh produce from the Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market. The recovered food is then used to assemble healthy meals that will be delivered to individual clients and non-profit partner organizations throughout Evanston. In 2014, CKNU staff and volunteers served 34,157 meals to 9 organizations, and 430 clients. In addition to preparing and delivering meals, CKNU volunteers teach nutrition classes to children in after school programs and distribute information about SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) and community organizations that offer application assistance. The student leaders and employees at CKNU are dedicated to advocating for food justice and are thrilled to collaborate with Friends of Evanston Farmers’ Markets on the upcoming film series at the Evanston Public Library!