MILWAUKEE — A new program at Marquette University aims to tackle food insecurity and food waste on campus.

If there is any leftover food after a catered event at the university, students have an opportunity for a free fresh meal because of the MarqEats programs.

What You Need To Know

  • MarqEats tackles food insecurity and food waste at Marquette University

  • If there is any leftover food at a catered event at the university, students have an opportunity for a free fresh meal

  • A 2018 study determined 1-in-5 students have experienced food insecurity

After receiving a message from the MarqEats program one morning, dozens of students made their way to the Lunda Room.

They grabbed breakfast, and within 20 minutes, the food was gone.

Then Brian Kawa and the Marquette Dining Services Crew picked up what was left. Kawa is the district manager for Sodexo.

“Some of our catering events are ordered for 50 people and not everyone eats all of the food there, so when they don’t, we found an opportunity to say, hey, let’s offer the food to students on campus,” said Kawa.

For Kawa, it’s not only about providing a meal but also a message.

“Students really appreciate the opportunity to come get the fresh meal, but I think more importantly, we are showcasing to them that sustainability is important to us for the dining team on campus,” said Kawa.

Christine Little is the manager of Campus Food Recovery and Assistance. She said her goal is to raise awareness about why food waste is such a huge issue.

“Not just here but around the globe,” said Little. “If it was a country, people estimate that it would be the third largest producer of carbon emission right behind the U.S. and China so it has a huge impact on our climate and getting students aware of that.”

Kawa said it is important for them to connect with students.

“With Marquette University, we have a lot of students here on campus,” said Kawa. “Any chance we can get to feed them in a different setting of the dining hall or having them bring something from home, is a great opportunity to get to know them a little better and make them feel more like they are a part of the Marquette community.”

Both Kawa and Little said they want the MarqEats program to reduce the stigma around food waste and food insecurity. They see it as a way to fuel the success of students at Marquette.

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