College Students in New Orleans Band Together to Combat Food Waste this Super Bowl
As the Super Bowl frenzy grips the nation, college students from Tulane University and Louisiana State University are gearing up for a different kind of game day challenge – tackling food waste. Partnering with the Food Recovery Network (FRN), these students are on a mission to rescue surplus food from The Player’s Tailgate, a popular Super Bowl event organized by Bullseye Entertainment Group.
Now in its fifth year, FRN’s Big Game initiative has proven to be a successful endeavor in diverting truckloads of food from landfills to those in need. This year, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate will also join forces with FRN, amplifying the impact of the initiative.
Instead of letting excess food go to waste, the rescued meals will be donated to the New Orleans Mission, benefitting individuals experiencing food insecurity in the community.
The Environmental Impact of Super Bowl Celebrations
While the Super Bowl is synonymous with fanfare and excitement, it also generates a staggering amount of food waste. According to FRN, over 140,000 pounds of surplus Super Bowl food end up in landfills annually – a weight equivalent to approximately 40 Ford Taurus cars.
Regina Harmon, the executive director of FRN, emphasizes the significance of large-scale events like The Player’s Tailgate in food recovery efforts. “Our events allow us to recover truckloads of food at a time,” she tells AgFunderNews.
The Player’s Tailgate, renowned for its culinary offerings, will be hosted by celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Marc Murphy, and Aaron May this year. The menu promises a lavish spread for partygoers, underscoring the potential for substantial food waste at such extravagant gatherings.
Moreover, this year’s Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans coincide with the aftermath of a recent winter storm, serving as a stark reminder of the climate-related challenges facing the region.
Empowering Community Colleges in Food Recovery
While college students play a vital role in FRN’s initiatives, the organization is expanding its reach to community colleges in 2025. Recognizing the prevalence of food insecurity in communities served by two-year institutions, FRN is extending support to these schools through Community College Recovery Grants.
By providing technical and financial assistance, FRN aims to establish sustainable food recovery programs at community colleges across the country. Already, schools like Central Lakes College, Green River College, and Montgomery County Community College have made significant strides in food recovery efforts, collectively saving 50,000 pounds of food.
Scaling Impact Beyond Campus Borders
FRN’s commitment to fighting food waste extends beyond college campuses. Through initiatives like the FRN 10x framework, the organization is striving to expand its reach to 40,000 individuals by 2030.
By leveraging data-driven strategies and community partnerships, FRN has launched innovative programs such as free fresh produce pop-up markets in cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, and St. Paul. These initiatives not only address food waste but also prioritize dignity and respect for community members in need.
As the Super Bowl approaches, the efforts of these dedicated college students and organizations like FRN serve as a reminder of the power of collective action in combating food waste and supporting those facing hunger. Through their commitment and collaboration, they are making a tangible difference in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
