WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Ahead of Thanskgiving, students from the Campus Kitchen at Wake Forest University used food that would otherwise be thrown away and community donations to make hundreds of meals for nonprofits across the Winston-Salem area.

What You Need To Know

  • Students at Wake Forest University and volunteers gave back to those facing food insecurity by cooking meals this month

  • It's part of the university’s annual "Turkeypalooza," the school's sustainability initiative

  • The kitchen made over 600 meals this year for those in need throughout the community

The donation is a part of Turkeypalooza, the school's sustainability initiative that makes sure food from local restaurants and grocery stores that is otherwise thrown away, get used.  

According to Feeding America, 13% of residents in Forsyth County struggle with food insecurity.

They also report that nearly 40% of all food in America is thrown away every year. 

Campus Kitchen volunteer leader Holly Mullen says the initiative has helped her think more critically about food waste. 

“When I was young, we would have so much food left over, and I thought it was such a waste. Coming to the Campus Kitchen and knowing all the food you're making is going to people that couldn’t make the food otherwise, makes you view things differently,” said Mullen.

Mullen and her fellow students made 600 meals that they split between six nonprofits in Winston-Salem, including The Shalom Project and Latino Community Services.

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The meals come as food pantries across the state are reporting an increase in demand. 

Campus Kitchen also works year round to rescue food from local restaurants.