Unsold food is getting into needy hands

More than 4,500 pounds of unsold food has been distributed to the needy, thanks to a handful of Southeast Missouri State University students and employees.

As reported by Emily Priddy last Sunday, a class project has grown into a campus organization. Students found as many as 23 percent of children and 19 percent of Cape Girardeau's population are food insecure, meaning they don't have reliable access to food. The group of students, working with Dr. Gerri Goldman, approached Chartwells, the university's caterer, to donate unsold food. Chartwells agreed, and the students agreed to pick up the food at 7 p.m. every Friday and deliver it to the local food bank.

The class project ended after a month, but it was carried on by the SEMO Food Alliance with Cheryl Garrett, of Cape Girardeau, stepping up to carry the project forward. Garrett and other students pick up food from Chartwells and Subway each Friday and take it to the New Beginnings homeless shelter.

Congratulations to everyone who has participated in this project, from the students to the businesses and university. It's such a shame to see food go to waste when there are so many who need it.

Thanks to all involved.