As part of Campus Sustainability Month, we will be highlighting our sustainable student leaders. This week’s sustainable student is Reem Zaitoon. Reem is an international affairs and anthropology major who serves as the Program Coordinator for Food Recovery Network.

Reem has been involved with FRN for two semesters. She got joined because the previous Food Recovery Network Program Coordinator was a good friend. As she participated with FRN and learned more about the crippling food waste issues affecting our community, she became more passionate and involved with the program.

What is something you have learned since working with FRN?

I have learned that with mighty numbers and with good people, there's nothing we can't do.

What are your goals for this program?

My goals for this program are to keep recovering out of the Figg dining hall and to expand the program into other dining establishments at FSU.

What’s your most interesting FRN story?

My most interesting FRN story was when several students came up to me at meetings and said that they're so glad a program like this exists because they'd always been so mad at the food waste problems in their communities.

What do you wish FSU students knew about FRN and food waste?

I wish FSU students knew how much of their food ends up in the garbage. I wish FSU students knew how easy it is to volunteer with us and that if every single body at this campus recovered with FRN we would have an entirely waste-free campus.

How do you reduce food waste in your life?

I reduce food waste in my life by always eating what I have, and if I don't I always give it to those who actually need it. I make certain that everything I have gets consumed.

Food Recovery Network's mission is to eliminate food waste on campus and in the Tallahassee community. Since 2014 (when our FSU chapter was formed), we have recovered over 46,000 pounds of consumable excess food from various locations around campus. This food goes directly to our partner agencies, who then distribute it to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Currently, we are partnered with The Kearney Center, CARE Tallahassee, Westgate Community and HOPE Community.

To supplement our on-campus recoveries, we also perform large-scale recoveries from football and baseball events. During the football pre-season, we work closely with FSU Sports Nutrition to ensure that a waste-free culture is fostered amongst the athletics department. We act as food waste "ghostbusters" and are on call if a community partner is anticipating excess perishables at one of their events.

FRN volunteers will receive one hour of Servscript documentation per recovery performed. If you're interested in getting involved, contact Reem Zaitoon, the Food Recovery Network Coordinator (rz15e@my.fsu.edu), visit our Facebook page or attend one of our bi-monthly meetings!