For the eighth year, Campus Kitchen is collecting food to provide holiday meals for older adults and families, and homebound individuals.
Turkeypalooza is a partnership between the student-run Campus Kitchen and the Athens Community Council on Aging. Last year 38 campus and community organizations donated almost 3,000 cans, boxes and bags of food during the drive.
This year’s collection will run from Monday, Oct. 21, through Thursday, Nov. 21. UGA departments and student organizations, and Athens-Clarke County businesses and civic groups are invited to participate. Campus Kitchen will provide posters and collection bins for participating organizations. Some transportation services are available to select groups.
To participate, organizations should register by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
The ACCA raises money to buy turkeys for the meals and the student-run UGArden Student Community Farm supplies fresh produce.
On Friday, Nov. 22, UGA Public Service and Outreach Student Scholars will pack bags of groceries to deliver to recipients to prepare at home. Campus Kitchen students and community volunteers will spend Nov. 23-24 cooking prepared meals for those who aren’t able to cook.
On Nov. 25, Campus Kitchen volunteers and the ACCA will distribute meals and groceries to households in a 13-county area in Northeast Georgia. Last year, 285 families received bags of groceries and 85 received prepared meals.
About Campus Kitchen
Campus Kitchen is a food recovery and redistribution program administered by the UGA Office of Service-Learning in collaboration with Athens area nonprofits and University of Georgia partners. While participating in the program, student leaders are exposed to the challenges facing aging adults and families, aging service providers, and the food system. For more information or to get involved, visit www.ckuga.org.
About the Athens Community Council on Aging
The Athens Community Council on Aging believes everyone should have the opportunity to age well. The programs and services offered ensure that older adults have access to basic needs such as food and transportation and opportunities for personal fulfilment achieved through social connections life-long learning and meaningful contributions to the community. With more than 50 years of experience, ACCA is an essential resource to help people navigate and celebrate life’s second half.
