MataBites Program Helps Students in Need and Cuts Food Waste
When it comes to combatting food waste and food insecurity on campus, CSUN’s innovative MataBites program is a win-win. Instead of throwing out surplus food from campus events or meetings, it’s routed to students who have opted into the MataBites channel through the CSUN App. The effort, launched in 2023, has diverted more than 300 pounds of food from landfills. More than 600 people have opted into the app’s alerts and more continue to join.
Christel Bowen, Food Programs Care coordinator with the university’s Basic Needs Office, spoke with CSUN Newsroom about the program — and she encouraged new students to take advantage of free food on campus. Here are some highlights of the conversation.
CSUN Newsroom (CN): How often is free food available on campus, through the app?
Christel Bowen (CB): The frequency varies. MataBites isn’t set up to be a daily meal program but is meant to be at the intersection of food security and food sustainability — to get surplus food to those who want it, rather than it [going] to waste. However, we have already seen 11 alerts go out this academic year (since July 1).
CN: What type of food is usually available?
CB: We’ve seen sandwiches, sliders and burritos, as well as fresh produce from the CSUN Food Pantry. The items vary based on the campus food partner who sends out the alert.
CN: How can Matadors find out about food that’s available?
CB: Students are encouraged to opt into the MataBites channel (on the CSUN App). It’s simple and quick to do: On the CSUN App, go to “messages-opt-in channels,” and then click on the plus sign next to MataBites — and you’re in! Make sure your notifications for the CSUN App are on, to receive the push notifications when alerts go out. While the program is geared towards students, staff and faculty can opt in as well!
CN: How can campus departments get involved?
CB: The MataBites team trains campus food partners to send out alerts when surplus food is available. Campus food partners [include any] individual who oversees events for a campus office or department.
Offices and departments who want to get involved with sharing extra food from meetings and events are encouraged to reach out — send an email to matabites@csun.edu to discuss becoming a campus food partner.
The post MataBites Program Helps Students in Need and Cuts Food Waste first appeared on CSUN Newsroom.