Boosting UCLA Food Recovery with Grant Support

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the United States—even among college students at top-tier institutions. At UCLA, many students face hunger on a daily basis, a challenge the university has tackled head-on through its Community Programs Office (CPO). For over 30 years, the CPO has supported low-income students, launching one of the country’s first campus-based food pantries in response to the 2008 economic downturn.

As a leading provider of waste management and recycling services in the City of Los Angeles, Athens Services is committed to recovering and diverting unwanted, edible food previously destined for landfills. Athens partners with several local community groups in this effort, including:

• Beacon House
• FoodCycle
• Food Forward
• Saint Francis Center

Athens Services Boosts UCLA Food Recovery with $100,000 Grant

Recently, Athens Services donated $100,000 in grant funding to support the CPO program.* The funding will go toward the purchase of additional vehicles that will be used to make dozens of food pickups weekly from on-campus events, as well as nearby food banks, grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses. “Athens Services is proud to partner with the CPO to advance their goals of alleviating student hunger, promoting student empowerment, and reducing food waste in Los Angeles County,” said Athens Sustainability Manager Jessica Aldridge.

“We are excited to embark on a new opportunity to work with Athens Services and to expand efforts to reduce food waste in Los Angeles,” said Chidera I. Izuchukwu, UCLA Basic Needs Manager. “Together, this new partnership can play a pivotal role in ensuring UCLA students receive the support needed to be successful at UCLA and beyond.”

*Grants are made possible by the City of Los Angeles recycLA Food Recovery Program.