Reviving the Food Recovery Network: A Radford Commitment to Sustainability

The Food Recovery Network (FRN) at Radford University was originally founded in 2018 with a strong commitment to reducing food waste and supporting the local community. During its active years, the chapter successfully donated approximately 3,400 pounds of food to the Radford/Fairlawn Daily Bread. However, due to challenges such as COVID-19, student turnover and changes in the sustainability department, the program temporarily faded. In September 2024, efforts to reestablish the initiative led to the formation of a new chapter, dedicated to continuing the mission of food sustainability on campus. We spoke with President and Vice President, Kousso Bennett and Alivia Turner to find out more about FRN and its goals with the new chapter. 

One of the major goals of FRN’s revival is to address food waste issues within Dalton Dining Hall through waste audits and collaboration with Chartwells, the university’s food service provider. The audits focus on assessing food disposal habits among students, as well as identifying untouched and safe-to-donate food items that could be redirected to those in need. While Chartwells initially expressed concerns over liability and food safety regulations, discussions have highlighted legal protections, such as the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, which safeguards organizations donating food in good faith.

Beyond food recovery, the FRN aims to provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in sustainability efforts. Members can accrue volunteer hours throughout the semester, and those looking for more involvement can explore internship and work-study positions within the university’s sustainability department. These experiences allow students to actively contribute to environmental initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in sustainability practices.

Looking ahead, they are excited to host Exchange for Change, a clothing swap event, on April 23 at Bonnie Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This initiative aligns with the organization’s broader mission of promoting sustainability by encouraging students to repurpose clothing rather than discard it. By fostering a culture of waste reduction, FRN hopes to inspire lasting change within the campus community.

As efforts to reinstate FRN at Radford University continue, the organization remains dedicated to advocating for food sustainability and reducing waste. With ongoing student involvement and administrative support, Radford University’s FRN chapter is determined to make a meaningful impact once again.