DSU is encouraging students to reduce food waste this summer – and it’ll help feed Leicester’s homeless population.
De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) is encouraging De Montfort University (DMU) students to reduce food waste this summer – and it’ll help feed Leicester’s homeless population.
A food donation point has been installed in conjunction with the Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) and our Sikh Society on the ground floor of the Campus Centre for students to donate non-perishable food items like tinned food, pasta and soup that would otherwise go to waste.
MLSS is a non-profit organisation which provides regular food relief and clothing to the homeless and under-privileged.
After starting in Birmingham five years ago, the charity has spread across the world and provides approximately 11,000 meals a week, including upwards of 100 meals for Leicester’s homeless and needy every Saturday evening at Leicester Market.
The Sikh Society have been working with MLSS since October and came to DSU with the idea of installing a food donation point in the Campus Centre.
Amandeep Dhaliwal is Shadow Officer for the Sikh Society. He said: “Homelessness is a real problem in Leicester and there are a lot of people who go hungry each night.
“This is all about helping them. Since joining up with [MLSS] we’ve been able to help take food around the city.
“It’s great to see all of the good work that is happening, and those in need are always grateful for our help.”
Amandeep (left) proposed the idea of a food donation point at DSU after talking to Rajdeep Johal from MLSS (right).
Jessica Okwuonu, VP Welfare and Community at DSU, has been working on a GoGreen campaign this year to make the students’ union more sustainable, and encourage students to follow suit.
“We are trying to tackle food waste,” she explained. “A lot of students have leftover food like tins and other non-perishable items that would otherwise get thrown away.
“By working with MLSS we’re making sure that that food is put to good use. Will you really miss that extra tin of baked beans?!”
Food provided through the donation point will be used by MLSS to prepare warm meals which are distributed to people at Leicester Market each Saturday evening between 7pm and 8pm.
Rajdeep Johal has been a volunteer with MLSS for just over three years.
“Even the smallest donation can go a long way in regards to feeding somebody in need,” he said.
“I would ask students to donate anything they can as some of the people who use our service don’t know where their next meal is coming from; so any help is gratefully appreciated.
“Members of the DMU Sikh Society are very active volunteers and regularly give up their time to help serve the under-privileged.
“We actively encourage people who donate items to come to the front line and see where their donations are being used, to see the difference they are making to people’s lives first hand.”
You can donate non-perishable items of food on the ground floor of the Campus Centre.
You can also follow MLSS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find out more about the organisation’s work and how you can get involved.
MLSS provide upwards of 100 meals for the city’s homeless and needy every Saturday.
RELATED NEWS