Kroger partners with UC Forward to expand Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative

By Monica Huzinec

Increasingly on college campuses, students report episodes of food insecurity, or uncertainty about where they would find their next meal. In fact, according to a study published in the American Association of Colleges and Universities newsletter, more than 60 percent of college students in the U.S. had experienced food insecurity over a 30 day period. 

To help combat the issue locally, UC Forward students have partnered with Kroger in attempt to bring the Fortune 500 company’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative to UC’s campus. 

UC Forward is a collaborative learning opportunity in which faculty and students from UC, including the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), partner with outside experts to solve real world problems in synergistic and creative ways. This past semester, Kroger and its Zero Hunger/Zero Waste Foundation, a nonprofit within the company, approached UC Forward to engage students in activities that addressed their charge: To end hunger in its communities and eliminate waste across the Kroger company by 2025. 

Thomas said, “Our idea was to repurpose the way in which student organizations use Corq. Instead of simply posting about events, organization representatives could post about "Free Food" that is left over after their events. Once the post was made, any student could RSVP for this food and come pick it up from the organization's meeting place.” Thomas also shared that this experience taught her how to think in more creative ways when it comes to approaching problems within her community. 

“This was the most impactful and meaningful course that I have taken, involving real world problems and learning," UC biology major Brandi Thomsen said.

Her team worked to create the framework for a “Waste Free UC” similar to the “Tobacco Free UC” policy.

Thomsen said she gained or refined her skills. And thanks to the class, she said she feels more confident in her ability to form relationships and work with people from different backgrounds.

At the end of the semester students presented their Zero Hunger Zero Waste proposals to the Kroger Foundation. According to Thomas, this was the most satisfying part of the course. 

“Standing in the 1819 Innovation Hub, before our classmates and our partners, we explained all the work we had put in for the past semester," she said. "Hearing not only compliments but strong questions and valuable advice made us feel as though we were really adults making a positive change in the world.”

Featured photo at top: UC students visit Kroger to collaborate on a Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative.