The Food Recovery Network (FRN) is a student-led organization dedicated to reducing food waste while addressing hunger within the campus community. The group is part of a nationwide movement that works to recover surplus food from dining halls to provide free meals to hungry individuals and minimize unnecessary food waste. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, UMass Dining Sustainability helped the FRN start back up during the Fall 2024 semester.
his past semester, FRN volunteers held meal services each Wednesday from 5-6 PM at the Old Newman Center. However, they will be expanding operations beginning Spring 2025 to serve multiple times a week.
The meal recovery process begins at Franklin DC each Wednesday, where volunteers collect surplus food from lunch to prevent it from going to waste. The food is then properly prepared and packaged to be transported to the Old Newman Center for the FRN meal service. There, volunteers set up the space by measuring the foods’ temperature, establishing individual menu identifiers, putting up directional signage, and more.
The benefits of this program are twofold: by diverting food from landfills, the Food Recovery Network helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste, and by providing food to campus community members looking for a free meal. In this way, the FRN is a wonderful example of how we can combine sustainability and social good to create a more equitable and environmentally-responsible campus community.
If you are interested in learning more about FRN meal services or volunteer opportunities, reach out to [email protected] or follow their Instagram @UMassFoodRecovery. All FRN volunteers must undergo ServSafe and allergen trainings before handling food.