Press Release
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University students recently donated more than $12,000 worth of food and merchandise to help the Community Table in Sylva alleviate hunger through the end-of-year C-Store Buy-Out program.
“It’s almost overwhelming,” said Brian Boyer, a residential case manager with the WCU Department of Residential Living and program coordinator. “Our students have shown a lot of heart.”
Through the annual program, students donate canned goods and other items that they purchase at the campus Courtyard C-Store or designate a portion of unspent money from their Campus Dining meal plans to the program to benefit The Community Table. With the money designated for donation, Aramark, WCU’s food service partner and a partner in the C-Store Buy-Out program, purchases items that The Community Table needs.
Amy Grimes Sims, executive director of The Community Table, said she was thrilled to hear about the size of this year’s donations.
“This food will be a huge help to so many people who visit our food pantry and will be used to fill in the gaps between our twice monthly shipments from MANNA Food Bank,” said Sims. “Believe it or not, a truckload of food is typically gone within two days because the need for our pantry is so high.”
In 2013, The Community Table served 22,138 meals and provided 7,527 food boxes, she said.
Boyer said he has been particularly moved over the years to see students become increasingly involved with The Community Table. During the fall and spring semesters, students participating in the Band of Brothers Living-Learning Community with which he works volunteer every Friday to put food on plates to serve, bus tables, wash dishes and assist with the food box program.
“Their participation gives them so much perspective and reminds them they are not just a student but also a member of a community,” said Boyer.
Sarah Caruso, Aramark marketing coordinator at WCU, said Aramark staff are pleased to partner on the C-Store Buy-Out program to make it possible for students to donate to help people who are in need.
“Community outreach is very important to Aramark and The Community Table plays an important role in reducing and eliminating hunger locally,” said Caruso. “We think this is an excellent opportunity for everyone involved.”
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