Uneaten canteen lunches to be given to single mothers. UWB partners with city charity

Dozens of portions of uneaten meals, which are cooked for students and employees by the canteen of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB), are now going to the St. Zdislava Home in Pilsen. The latter cares for mothers with children in need.

Chicken and potatoes, risotto or tomato sauce - portions of food that are not bought by students or employees at UWB during the lunch period will not end up in the trash. Starting in October, clients at the St. Zdislava Home in Pilsen na Borech will be able to enjoy them. "By contributing to the reduction of food waste and at the same time helping those who find themselves in a difficult life situation, we are trying to bring about positive changes not only in our university community, but also in the wider society," said Jan Váně, Vice-Rector of UWB.

Mothers with children or pregnant women have asylum in the St. Zdislava Home. "Practically all of them are on the border of the subsistence level, they have no money to spare, they are single mothers. This form of food aid is something new for them, because normally clients receive non-perishable food," said Milena Kuncová, a social worker at the home. They distribute the lunches according to the number of children in the family and so that there is enough for everyone. She said the number of donated lunches is sufficient for now.

On average, there are 40 portions per week. "These are leftover meals from the previous two days, which are always shock-chilled and the charity picks them up twice a week. So far, our lunches have been appreciated," explained Petr Jícha, director of the Administration of Residence Halls and Canteens of UWB. The cooperation between UWB and the Pilsen City Charity was supported by the Zachraň jídlo group, which arranged the transport of meals from the UWB canteen to the St. Zdislava Home. "We act primarily as a mediator, connecting donors and recipients, providing free reusable containers and access to a mobile application through which the food is donated and legally registered," explained Michaela Číhalíková, the director of Zachraň jídlo.

"With this initiative, we want to inspire other institutions and organisations to take similar steps that not only help people in need, but also promote sustainability and responsible use of resources," added Vice-Rector Jan Váně. The pursuit of self-sustainability is one of the priorities of the university management.