Charlotte Students Embrace Sustainability at the Harvest Exchange
The vibrant city of Charlotte was buzzing with excitement on October 23 as students came together to make a difference through the Charlotte Harvest Exchange. Hosted in the lively Belk Plaza and organized by the Levine Scholars Program in partnership with The Bulb, this event aimed to distribute free, sustainable produce to students in need while fostering a sense of community and environmental awareness.
A Bounty of Fresh Produce
Students lined up to receive bags filled with fresh goodies like corn, cucumbers, potatoes, and apples—and all they had to do was bring in empty egg cartons, plastic bags, and fruit containers. The initiative not only offered free fresh produce but also served as a clever way to address food insecurity, which affects many students as they juggle the pressures of college life.
“We’re just happy to provide free food and knowledge about the food you’re eating—maybe even some recipes for everyone to try out with things like spaghetti squash or other vegetables that aren’t traditionally found in dining halls,” shared third-year student Madison Lewis, who helped organize the event.
A Community-Centric Idea
The Harvest Exchange is a continuation of last year’s successful event, which was launched by three passionate Levine Scholars determined to support their community. As part of their scholarship, each Levine Scholar is allocated $8,000 to contribute towards a project beneficial to the local area. Continuing this year, Lewis expressed enthusiasm for the project’s growth.
Partnership with The Bulb
This year’s exchange was made possible thanks to a collaboration with The Bulb, a donation-based organization focused on providing fresh produce to communities in and around Charlotte. In addition to addressing food insecurity, The Bulb is committed to sustainability, working tirelessly to reduce food waste by sourcing items that grocery retailers might reject due to slight imperfections.
“All of what The Bulb brings here on campus is food that is saved, so anything like an apple that has a little bruise on it that grocery major retailers won’t sell gets a second chance,” explained student Gracie Bricker, highlighting the organization’s mission to support both the environment and the community.
Take What You Need, Give What You Can
The Bulb operates under a unique ‘take what you need, give what you can’ payment model, allowing individuals access to produce regardless of their financial situation. This flexible approach encourages those who can to contribute back to support the program’s sustainability, ensuring it can help more people in the future.
More than Just Food
Bricker emphasized, “The market is not just a place to grab groceries—it’s an opportunity to learn.” She encouraged students to inquire about the origins of their food and to consider ways to minimize waste in their own lives. Many students echoed the sentiment that this access to produce enables them to make better dietary choices.
Understanding Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is a significant issue among college students, with many facing tough choices due to rising tuition costs and living expenses. “First, realize you’re not alone,” Lewis reminded participants. “A lot of people are going through food insecurity without even knowing what to call it. Whether it’s not being able to afford a meal plan or just eating pizza and chips every day, it’s not sustainable.”
Celebrating Sustainability Month
This engaging exchange was part of the Office of Sustainability’s yearly Sustainability Month. Earlier events included a student sustainability showcase and a transportation fair, while upcoming activities promise to keep the momentum going, such as an off-campus Biketoberfest. Excitingly, there is another Harvest Exchange scheduled for November 13, where students can look forward to more free produce, tote bags, t-shirts, and additional goodies.
As Charlotte continues to promote sustainable practices and community engagement, initiatives like the Harvest Exchange create a ripple effect of positive change, cultivating both environmental stewardship and social awareness among students.
