Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently hosted a meal packing event to combat food insecurity across South Florida with the Palm Beach County Food Bank (PBCFB).
Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business recently hosted a meal packing event to combat food insecurity across South Florida with the Palm Beach County Food Bank (PBCFB).
The inaugural “Pack to Give Back” event featured 300 volunteers packing almost 100,000 meals of pasta in just six hours in the college’s Sean Stein Pavilion, Boca Raton campus, for the South Florida community. FAU President Adam Hasner, Daniel Gropper, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business and Kaye Family professor, along with various FAU faculty and staff members, the FAU men’s soccer team and alumni, all worked together to support the local community.
“I loved the enthusiasm with which Florida Atlantic University students, community members and partners worked together and donated their time on a Saturday to fight hunger insecurity in South Florida,” said Gropper.
The Pack to Give Back Day represents a shared commitment to community service, beginning when Eileen Acello, marketing instructor and advisor to FAU’s American Marketing Association (AMA), sought service hour opportunities for her students. Over the years, Acello has helped strengthen FAU’s connection with the Palm Beach County Food Bank, leading volunteer events, serving on the food bank’s board, and volunteering at the annual Empty Bowls Palm Beach fundraising event.
According to the PBCFB numbers, almost 1 in 5 people go to bed hungry in Palm Beach County, while 1in 9 residents in the county struggle to put food on the table, and local numbers continue to rise as food shortages and economic setbacks increase demand. With approximately 173,000 food-insecure residents throughout Palm Beach County, PBCFB procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors, wholesalers and other sources and distributes it through 200 local community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens and schools.
“We are so grateful to partner with FAU and to have their generosity in hosting this event,” said Jamie Kendall, chief executive officer of PBCFB. “Every packed bag is a step toward a hunger-free Palm Beach County, and it takes a village to get there. We are excited to see the end result after being joined by passionate and enthusiastic supporters in the FAU community.”
-FAU-
Latest News Desk
- FAU Hosts Second Annual FairfaxWood Amyloid Related Diseases SummitFAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine recently hosted the summit, bringing together top scientists from North America and Europe to discuss the latest amyloid research and advancements.
- FAU Sensing Institute's Weather Network Brings Real-time ForecastingFAU I-SENSE is storm ready with SEA Econet, a cutting-edge weather network stretching from Key West to South Carolina, delivering real-time data to boost forecasting accuracy and strengthen coastal resilience.
- 'Eye' on Health: AI Detects Dizziness and Balance Disorders RemotelyFAU researchers and collaborators have developed a cost-effective, AI-powered system for diagnosing nystagmus - a condition causing involuntary eye movements - using smartphone videos and cloud-based analysis.
- Study Explores Barriers and Trends in Cannabis Use Disorder TreatmentA study over a 16-year period by FAU researchers shows a troubling decline in treatment for cannabis use disorder and reveals why most people with the disorder don't seek help.
- FAU Achieves R1 Status, Receive Carnegie Opportunity DesignationFlorida Atlantic University has been recognized for its leadership on two essential fronts: advancing science and discovery for the nation and prioritizing student access and success.
- Fixing the Leak: An Opioid Treatment for Dopamine Disorders?A breakthrough by FAU researchers shows that blocking the kappa opioid receptor improves behavioral deficits tied to ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder, providing a potentially safer yet effective treatment.