UofM Partnership Provides More Than One Million Meals for Local Students
The University of Memphis has remained steadfast in our strong commitment to investing in our community despite the historic challenges we are all facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why, at the onset of this public health emergency, we partnered with the YMCA, Shelby County Schools and Chartwells to provide meals for local public school students in need during this time.
In August, the partnership surpassed one million meals provided. This milestone is significant and phenomenal, especially in such a tremendous period of need for our community.
The partnership was formed in March shortly after the Shelby County Schools system shifted to virtual learning. Without being physically present in schools, many children faced the possibility of losing consistent meals or being forced to find a more costly alternative.
This effort has helped fill that void, averaging 14,000 meals per day while producing as many as 18,000 in a single day. The dining hall and ballroom in our University Center have served as areas where employees of Chartwells, the dining service partner of the UofM, are preparing and packaging the meals before distribution by YMCA Memphis.
I continue to be incredibly proud of our University and our partners in this effort. Everyone stepped up at a moment’s notice and has done a remarkable job for more than five months serving not only our students but the families of Shelby County during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
M. David Rudd
President
University of Memphis
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