UNE Hunger Initiative

From the UNE directory, Sep 7, 2026

UNE Hunger Initiative encompasses the organizations Food Recovery Network (FRN), the on-campus community gardens, the on-campus resource hub, as well as various volunteer and educational activities to promote access to nutritious foods and to promote healthy and happy living. Food Recovery NetworkFood Recovery Network is a nationwide organization in which leftover food from various schools' dining halls are recovered and are then donated to local food banks/shelters and community meal programs.Our mission: To provide those liviing in "food insecure," or living with limited access to nutritious foods, access to the foods they need to combat hunger and therefore related health issues.By recoverying leftover foods, the amount of food waste is significantly decreased, and others receive the food they need for themselves and their families.UNE's Food Recovery Network chapter was officially created in February 2015. It has had a very positive influence on UNE and our connection with the community.Volunteers recover food three times each week for about an hour total per recovery (includes travel time). We currently deliver all of the donated food to Bon Appetit Community Meal Program in Biddeford. Community GardensThe on-campus community gardens are used by students and faculty at UNE. Vegetables are planted for personal use, as well as for our Food Recovery Network in the efforts of building access to nutritious vegetables for those who need them most. The plots are currently located adjacent to the parking lot across from the Marine Science Center, also known as the overflow lot.Volunteer Activities, including:Volunteering at Bon Appetit Community Meal Program three times a week.Additional volunteering at food kitchens.Partnership with Rise Against Hunger to host a meal packaging event in which over 10,000 meals are prepared by students and local community members to be shipped to food insecure communities.Any other volunteer opportunities connected with the community. Hands-on field work, gathering vegetables from a local garden in Saco Educational Activities, including:Creating posters, attending FRN conferences, hosting events or speakers, designing bake sales, and collaborating with similar clubs on campus to raise awareness regarding the issue of hunger in the United States, and the benefits of nutritious eating. Hosting Swipe Out Hunger drives to promote donation of extra meal swipes to students in need on campus.