During the past academic year, Wayne State students donated more than 500 meals to their fellow Warriors via the Warrior Meal Share Program.
The Warrior Meal Share Program supports currently enrolled students, providing them with free meals that are donated by classmates. With a joint mission to enhance student success and reduce student food insecurities, Wayne State Housing & Residential Life teamed up with The W Food Pantry to create this important and unique program.
"What an incredible milestone for the Meal Share Program! To see students donate more than 500 meals to fellow students shows the true spirit of the Wayne State community,” said Mario Channey, associate director of marketing for Housing & Residential Life.
Established in the fall of 2022, Warrior Meal Share allows students with meal plans to donate their extra guest meals to the program. Those meals are then available for students in need and can be redeemed anonymously.
“We appreciate the generosity of the students who donated and want to make sure that everyone is aware of the program. If a current student is facing food insecurities, tell them to stop by The W Food Pantry and Thrift Shop — no questions asked,” said Channey.
For the students who donate their extra guest meals, the motivation to participate comes largely from wanting to help their peers. Wayne State Law School student Zia Felder, who is also a WSU employee, said, “I’m fully aware of how difficult it can be to make ends meet. And the easy availability of on-campus dining options is so convenient. Plus, knowing I’m doing my part to help my peers is a great feeling.”
Students interested in applying for the program can complete a form at go.wayne.edu/request-a-meal or visit the W Food Pantry.
Students who want to share meal swipes can complete a form at go.wayne.edu/donate-a-meal.
“It means everything to me that Wayne State has a program like this,” said Felder. “The mission and services of the organizations I'm affiliated with are very important to me. Being attached to a university that is in touch with the needs of its students makes me proud.”
By Katheryn Kutil