Student Food Rescue was founded by a group of BU student volunteers in the spring of 1988, and has since become an integral part of the Boston University Community Service Center.
Volunteers collect nearly 150,000 pounds of food annually from local
restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, grocery surplus facilities, and
coffee shops each week and distribute it to area meal programs, food
pantries, and shelters.
- Food Runs
Food run volunteers travel the city in groups of three salvaging
food from donor sites and delivering it to area food pantries,
shelters, and low income housing facilities. 22 food runs are
scheduled each week at various times, ideal for any schedule.
Food Runs involve a two-hour per week commitment lasting one semester.
- Throughout the year SFR offers many one-time opportunities. These include two large food basket distributions occurring in November and April. Other events include a Trick-or-Can canned food drive on Halloween night and various educational events throughout the year. Student Food Rescue also coordinates field trips throughout the year, such as visiting Heifer International's Overlook Farm where volunteers enjoyed a meal while touring the farm and learning about the organization.
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Do I need experience to do this? |
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No. We would love to have you regardless of prior experience. It will be a fantastic experience no matter what. |
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How does van training for drivers work? |
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There are four simple components to the van training process. There is an online tutorial followed by a quiz, a road test, a booklet that you must read and sign, and finally we photocopy your license and get some personal information to keep on file. |
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I’m not comfortable driving a van in the city. Can I still do a food run without driving? |
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Yes! Each food run requires 3 people, yet it is not necessary that all three be van trained. If you are not comfortable being van trained, you are still encouraged to sign up for a food run. |
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Where does the food come from? |
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The majority of the food we distribute is surplus food that could not be sold or items collected from can drives. We work with many different organizations including The Greater Boston Food Bank, Fair Foods, area bakeries, etc. This food is distributed through various organizations to many different people in need including people on government assistance, the terminally ill, the homeless, and more. |
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I want to learn more about hunger. Any ideas? |
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SFR offers various educational meetings and activities throughout the year. We encourage you to become involved and learn more. If you have ideas for meetings or events please let us know. |
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I am interested in making donations, how can I do that? |
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If you are interested in donating clothing, furniture or any other items you may call any of the following locations for help. Please be advised that shelters do not accept torn and/or dirty clothing.
| Shattuck Shelter |
(617) 971-3430 |
| Long Island Shelter |
(617) 534-2526 |
| Women’s Lunch Place |
(617) 267-1722 |
| Father Bill's Place |
(617) 770-3314 |
| Furniture Bank |
(617) 423-9162 |
| Boston Rescue Mission |
(617) 482-8819 |
| Crossroads |
(617) 567-5926 |
| Pine St. Inn |
(617) 482-7629 |
| Boston Family Shelter |
(617) 267-8081 |
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For more information on volunteering with SFR, please contact:
Dan Bastian and Maureen Merrigan
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-4710
Fax: 671-353-9424
Email: sfr@bu.edu
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