Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation's Summer Meals Program Provides Annual Funding

Zag Dining at Gonzaga University has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting the local community, particularly through initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger. Since 2014, Gonzaga has been a recipient of the $20,000 annual grant from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation's Summer Meals Program. This generous funding has enabled the provision of over 137,000 meals to children in need in Spokane during the summer months.

The Sodexo Summer Meals Program, which has been active since 2000, operates in cities across the U.S. and has delivered over 6 million meals to children during the summer. Spokane is proud to be one of the participating cities benefiting from this impactful program.

Enhancing Lives Through Food Security

Working closely with Gonzaga's Center for Community Engagement, Zag Dining has developed innovative methods to distribute food effectively. The collaboration with the university's Center for Community Engagement and AmeriCorps and student volunteers has been pivotal in ensuring that food items reach the intended recipients. Together, they meticulously track distribution locations and regularly meet to align on quantity and quality standards, ensuring that program expectations are met or exceeded.

The impact of the Stop Hunger program on the local community has been profound. One of the most celebrated success stories is the annual summer event with Gonzaga Family Haven. Last year, the event brought together 103 community and family members at the Family Haven Splash Pad for a day of fun, food, and community bonding. Participants enjoyed tacos and beautiful weather, highlighting the significance of food security and the positive influence of community support.

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