Sharing Our Bounty: Seton Hall Kicks off a New Semester of Weekly Food Donations

In the early afternoon last Friday, a car pulled up outside Seton Hall’s cafeteria. Behind the wheel was Afia, an affable surgical ICU nurse volunteering on her day off with Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization. She hopped out, opened her trunk and got ready to load 16 trays of freshly prepared meals. Steaming meatballs and gravy, roasted chicken, and eggplant parmesan — all ready to nourish neighbors in need at a Newark church.

This scene marks the start of a new semester of food donations, now in the program’s third year and stronger than ever. What began as a biweekly effort has expanded to weekly donations every Friday, thanks to overwhelming success and community support.

How the Partnership Works

Seton Hall and Gourmet Dining Services — our on-campus catering partner — team up with Table to Table to rescue surplus meals and deliver them to local churches, shelters and community centers across Essex County. Our campus chefs prepare hearty, ready-to-serve dishes like Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Rather than letting perfectly good meals go to waste, our food services team carefully packages them for pickup.

Volunteers from around New Jersey sign up through the Table to Table app to transport the food. Last year, members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at Seton Hall joined the effort as part of their philanthropy project and may return this semester to lend a hand.

A Student-Led Beginning

The initiative traces its roots to a recent Seton Hall student who was determined to tackle food waste and food insecurity. That idea inspired Shayne Simmons, M.P.A. ’25, whose leadership through the Food Recovery Network Club, brought the program to life. Supported by Seton Hall’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, the partnership reflects the University’s broader commitment to caring for both people and the planet.

Why It Matters

Food insecurity continues to affect families throughout Essex County. Even with careful planning, surplus food is inevitable in large dining operations. By redirecting these meals, Seton Hall reduces food waste, strengthens community ties and provides vital support to those facing hunger. “Our weekly donations show that small, consistent acts of kindness can create lasting change,” said Victoria Pivovarnick, associate vice president of Facilities Engineering and Business Affairs and co-chair of the University’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. She adds, “This is a perfect example of Seton Hall’s Catholic mission in action.”

Get Involved

Students and employees who are interested in food recovery or other sustainability efforts are encouraged to contact the DOVE for volunteer opportunities and provide emergency assistance to students.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, Seton Hall continues to respond to the call to care for creation and for those in need. Together with partners like Table to Table and GDS, we’re proving that environmental stewardship and community service go hand in hand — one tray at a time.

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World