Food Recovery Network: Our Semester. By Nick
December 27, 2024
Open gallery
Author: Nicholas Ruffing
Fall 2024 Sustainability Team Cohort
Major: Painting/Photo
Graduation Date: Class of 2026
In the Purchase College Zero Waste internship, I’ve found professional skills that I’ve been able to use in real-world implications. As an aspiring artist, the act of networking is often not taught. Trying to dissect how to send cold emails, what to wear, and how to find the right people for the right thing is something falsely assumed that incoming students already know. From working with Broadview, RSL, and the Neuburger Museum- I found ways to work with others to achieve common goals. As of now, I’ve been working on two main projects.
My priority was working with Broadview. The retirement community on campus has over 200 living units and dozens of dining options. Two separate kitchens and dozens of staff facilitate planned meals for residents. As a member of the food recovery network, I found the extra food from meals to be an amazing opportunity for hungry students.
To help build relations with Broadview, the Food Recovery Network team and I held meetings with staff. Alexander Ferraro, the Food and Beverage associate director, was more than willing to go over the logistics of recovering leftover meals. Clifford Saladin, the Executive Chef, gave us a tour of facilities and was optimistic at the prospect. Although trial runs won’t happen until next semester, the idea of free, innovative meals for students could change the game for the Food Recovery Network.
Aside from Broadview, I’ve begun to build relations with the Neuberger Museum and its receptions. By leading recoveries efficiently and timely, our team has been able to recover dozens of pounds of food from Artist Talks, Museum Parties, and Gallery openings. Students on campus have gained access to sandwiches, snacks, desserts, and nutritious meals at zero cost.
The projects I’ve been working on this semester have gained leadership skills I wouldn’t have otherwise learned. Fighting for food security and mutual aid has been huge in my life. As our Food Recovery Network chapter grows, I can’t wait to see where these new relationships will take us!
-Nick Ruffing He/him