The Miramar Pantry Food Recovery Program

For Campus Dining, addressing food insecurity is a key priority, recognizing that many students face difficulties accessing nutritious meals due to demanding schedules and limited resources during college. The Miramar Food Pantry stands as a testament to their commitment to ensuring that all students have access to healthy food. Launched in October 2018, the Miramar Food Pantry provides free food to all qualified UCSB students. Located in the Sierra Madre Villages, the pantry offers a variety of fresh produce, canned goods, pastas, cereals, and more, aiming to provide healthy meal options to students in need. Last year, the Miramar Pantry reintroduced their Food Recovery Program, which collects surplus food from the Dining Commons that would otherwise be composted and redistributes it. To reduce waste, the recovered food is packaged in reusable containers. This initiative not only helps feed students but also contributes to the university's commitment to sustainability. To enhance the effectiveness of the Food Recovery Program, Campus Dining recently received a $5,000 grant from the Single-Use Plastics Policy Project. This funding will support the acquisition of additional reusable containers, ensuring the program's efficiency and long-term success. Campus Dining's multifaceted approach to food security, exemplified by the Miramar Food Pantry and supported by initiatives like the Food Recovery Program, underscores their dedication to the well-being of UCSB's students. By providing access to nutritious food and promoting sustainability, Campus Dining helps ensure that all Gauchos have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.