FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University rowing team has embraced a core tenet of the NSU and Athletic Department missions to serve the community through their commitment to volunteering with Feeding South Florida.
The team has been working with the organization since January of this year. Each member of the team dedicates at least three hours every month working in the sort room where they help inspect, sort and package foods before Feeding South Florida's partner agencies pick up the food to give it out to the 785,040 food insecure individuals in the community.
"We love working with Feeding South Florida because it teaches us the value and importance of a community," said
Adrianna Rosario (Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.). "As student-athletes at NSU, it is easy for us to forget how fortunate we are to compete in a sport we love while getting our education. Stepping back into the community and dedicating time to a program like this is eye-opening and truly rewarding."
"Every time that the team comes to volunteer, it is clear to see that they are excited and motivated to be a part of what we are doing here," said volunteer coordinator Charlotte VanDyken.
In addition to volunteering for regular food sorting shifts, the team participated in the 35
th Birthday Sort-a-Thon where they inspected and sorted through 192,000 pounds of food to be distributed to the community. Members of the team also volunteered at the 2016 StarChefs South Florida Rising Stars Gala, an event where Feeding South Florida was the charity partner, where they were vital in making sure that the event went smoothly.
"Although we don't see the people we're helping directly, it is so special to know that you don't need to know someone to help them," said
Hannah DiLorenzo (Jr., Holland Patent, N.Y.).
"The team's efforts are greatly impacting those who are food insecure in South Florida and helping to bring about lasting change in our community. We are extremely appreciative of all of their help and look forward to the next time that we get the chance to work alongside them," added VanDyken.
Feeding South Florida is the sole Feeding America food bank serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Through direct-service programs and a network of nonprofit partner agencies, including soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, and group homes, Feeding South Florida rescues and distributes more than 40 million pounds of food per year, as well as leads hunger and poverty advocacy efforts and provides innovative programming and education.
"The people at Feeding South Florida are wonderful and spirited," said
Lisette Villarreal (Fr., Steger, Ill.). "Their passion inspires me and motivates me to give as much of myself as I can for those who cannot meet a basic need on their own."
