A research brief describing a logic model framework for planning a Food Recovery Network chapter at an undergraduate university

Abstract

In the United States, both food security and food waste are critical issues for population health and well-being. Approximately 13.5% of U.S house­holds experienced food insecurity in 2023. In a given year, an estimated 22 million pounds (10 million kg) of food are wasted in college campus dining halls. Food Recovery Network (FRN) student-led chapters work to reduce food waste on campus, connect food-insecure popu­lations with excess food, and provide various opportunities for students to participate in activi­ties related to food security and food sustainability. This research brief describes the development of a logic model framework for planning an FRN chapter at an undergraduate university in Lehigh Valley, Penn­sylvania, and initial outcomes from Weigh the Waste events and a food drive. A logic model was developed to outline the situation, priorities, inputs, outputs, outcomes, assumptions, external factors, and FRN chapter evaluation plan. The main outputs include regular FRN chapter meet­ings, FRN chapter social media outreach, collab­oration with community-based organizations, Weigh the Waste events to address campus food waste, and food drives to provide resources for organizations serving food-insecure populations. For the Weigh the Waste events, a total of 529 lbs. (240 kg) of food waste, 296 lbs. (134 kg) of bev­erage waste, and 88 lbs. (40 kg) of plastic utensil waste was collected from 1,555 dining hall visitors during four meal periods. For the food drive, 1,618 items totaling 548 lbs. (249 kg), including food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, were collected and donated. FRN chapters at other universities may find this model useful for program planning and for the sustainability of the student group over time.