Felicia Carner
Published: April 1, 2009

Dubuque — A job at the cafeteria lead Loras first-year student Luisa Jimenez on a mission to give back. Luisa began working for the cafeteria at the beginning of this semester and noticed an unfortunate job.

At the end of every meal all the food left on the service lines is disposed. This task of throwing away cooked but untouched food reminded Luisa of a task of her own.

“I know that I am privileged and one of the responsibilities that come through being privilege is to help those in need,” said Luisa

Luisa felt that this is how Loras can assist the community, by donating the food leftover from their daily meals.

The one thing that prevents Luisa from making her idea a reality was standard health codes. Food that is not in a controlled temperature room is exposed to bacteria. If donated, Loras would be held liable for any sicknesses.

This code would not stand in the way of Luisa’s goal, she negotiated.

“What is possible is to give them all the food that is going to go to waste over break,” said Luisa.

Also any prepared but unused food that is kept in a cooler can also be given Her next step came when she contacted Peace and Justice Coordinator, David McDermott. McDermott worked with Jimenez to locate a specific location to take the food.

He says that none of the food will go to waste here, “The Dubuque Rescue Mission. They serve meals everyday they could use all of our leftovers,” said David

Both David and Luisa established a plan of arranging service groups, like the Knights of Columbus and Daughters of Isabella, to transport the food left over from each meal to the center before breaks.

In just two months Jimenez was able to bring her mission this far and she says she is not even close to being done with it. “I have three more years to go here I will be able to give at least once of week meals,” she said.

The Dubuque Rescue Mission accepts all food donations. If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Mission, they are located at 398 Main St.

Felicia Carner can be contacted at Felicia.Carner@loras.edu