Impact | The Campus Kitchen at the University of Georgia

Student Stories

#savefoodfeedseniors

#beyondthemeal

Every week, the Campus Kitchen at UGA serves from-scratch meals, groceries, and congregate meals to older adults, families, and agencies in Athens - Clarke County. Hover below for stories of how our work is more than a meal, but a step towards sustainable living for our clients.

Mildred Huff

"It's wonderful food! They bring me vegetables, and I love them." -Mildred Huff, Campus Kitchen client

Gloria Lewis

“I need all the help I can get but it’s a pleasure just to have them come by and have them in my home.” -Gloria Lewis, Campus Kitchen client

The Meelers

“These meals help me stretch my income throughout the month. It can be tough.” - Allyson Meeler with adopted granddaughter, Autumn

Mr. Russell

“These meals help me not worry all the time.” -Russell McBain, Denny Tower resident.

Judy Lavergne

"This food from Campus Kitchen helps to sustain my budget, this has been so helpful; and to have fresh home-grown vegetables and home-made meals, it's just been a blessing. We thank you so very much, and we look forward to the [UGA] kids coming all the time!" -Judy Lavergne, Campus Kitchen client

Michael Maddox

“I’m a country boy. This is the kind of food I grew up on and now about the only time I get it is when Campus Kitchen comes.” - Michael Maddox, Denny Tower resident

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Photo Credits: John Roark, Athens Banner-Herald; Shannah Montgomery, UGA Public Service and Outreach

#Hungerfighters

#UGAServes

The Campus Kitchen at UGA provides hands-on learning opportunities for students across the University of Georgia campus to apply academic knowledge to community issues and develop professional skills through leadership roles and internships. Click below for stories about how our work is developing a generation committed to sustainable solutions to hunger and food waste.

Allison

I love working with a team of volunteers for a great cause. It has made me more of a compassionate person and want to give more to others in everything I do. It has made me more grateful for what I have and has made me care more and be more aware of what’s going on in the community around me.” -Allison Vita
Allison is a 4th-year Health Promotion major and is currently a meal planner for Campus Kitchen. She plans to work for a pubic health org. that reduces health disparities

Gracelyn

“From addressing the issue of access to fresh and nutritious foods for the students and their families at my school, to organizing a program to reduce waste in the school cafeteria, there are many ways in which my work with the Campus Kitchen at UGA has directly impacted my service with FoodCorps. Looking forward, I hope to build a career involving these issues of focus.” -Gracelyn Jones
Gracelyn graduated in 2017 and is currently a FoodCorps Service Member serving in Jackson County.

Samara

Before Campus Kitchen, my plan was to be a registered dietitian like what everybody in the dietetics major would plan for. After seeing how much impact I can make by minimizing food waste in a community, I plan on going into nonprofit work where I can help people in developing countries get the nutrients they need with the resources that they have” -Samara Pattiasina
Samara is a 4th year Dietetics major

Sydney

“Through CKUGA, I have come to understand how food insecurity influences the quality of life of many older adults. Working with this organization I have gained knowledge in a reali-life context on public health needs. This motivated me to work to resolve these and other issues with communities.” -Sydney McCall
Sydney graduated in 2017 and currently works for Sparrow’s Nest in Athens, a community-centered organization. Her goal is to become a nurse in the community.

Scott

“I joined Campus Kitchen at UGA to really develop a better connection with the people of Athens, Georgia. As as student at the university it can be easy to forget that this town is a full-time residence for thousands of families. Being a deliverer at Campus Kitchen allows me to directly meet many of these people. While my contribution is small in numbers, it is a direct impact for the families on my delivery route each week.” -Scott Buchanan
Scott is a 2nd-year Finance major and is a new driver.

Aiden

“Working with Campus Kitchen reinforced and expanded my interest in food systems, which in turn led to my desire to focus on agriculture and rural development in my Masters. I have often shared my experiences and/or knowledge from my time with Campus Kitchen in classes or in conversations here - truly a pivotal experience for me!” -Aiden Holley
Aiden graduated in 2017 and is currently studying International Agribusiness and Rural Development Economics at the University of Göttingen.

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Photo Credits: Lauren Baggett, Flagpole Magazine (Gracelyn Jones Only)

Our Impact Since 2012

221,007

Pounds of Food Recovered

67,477

Nutritious Meals Made from Scratch

1,083

Awesome Volunteers

14,917

Hours Serving the Community