Shippensburg University is pleased to announce a grant from Walmart Giving to support the ShipComposts project. The grant funds were secured with the assistance of the Shippensburg University Foundation, and funds will be used to support the project’s goals of bridging issues related to food waste, food insecurity and soil health while supporting the Campus Climate Commitment.
The ShipComposts project takes food waste produced at the university dining hall and turns it into compost for use on the Campus Farm. This improves soil health, fosters the growth of healthy produce, reduces food waste, and sequesters carbon. More than half of the produce grown on the farm is then donated to Shippensburg Produce and Outreach (SPO) to help community members in need.
The initiative also features educational and outreach activities led by Ship students both on campus and in the community. These activities have included small-scale food waste assessments, hands-on composting demonstrations, and several educational events for university and K-12 students, as well as community members.
The ShipComposts project was envisioned by students in the Enactus organization on campus, and current project partners include the Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS), the SU Campus Farm, SPO, and the Green League student organization.
Funds from Wal-Mart Giving will be used to purchase much-needed supplies for food waste collection, composting, and educational activities and will support permitting for the composting site.
