TWU Explores Swipe Out Hunger Initiative
Mar. 26, 2021 - DENTON - Are you concerned about food insecurity among TWU students? Do you want to do something about it? Then join Rachel Sumekh, CEO of Swipe Out Hunger, on Mar. 31 and be on the ground floor of a movement that could have lasting impacts at TWU.
Next week, join TWU's Health and Wellbeing Initiative and hear how Rachel Sumekh, a former student-leader at UCLA, worked to address student hunger on her campus. After the presentation, you will then have an opportunity to participate in a workshop with her and other attendees that will help you learn how to set up a similar program at TWU. Attending the presentation and workshop are free, but advance registration is required for both programs.
Swipe Out Hunger is the leading nonprofit organization addressing hunger among college students, and Sumekh has been recognized by The Obama White House, The New York Times and Forbes.
According to Michelle Reeves, director of the Health and Wellbeing Initiative at TWU, being able to bring the program to TWU addresses several concerns.
"One of my favorite qualities about TWU is that our community genuinely cares about the health and wellbeing of ourselves and others. Having Swipe Out Hunger at TWU to help us address food insecurity on all three campuses gives us the ability to problem solve and take action together," said Reeves.
Swipe Out Hunger began in 2010 with a few friends as a college project at UCLA. Their innovative approach allows university students to donate the unused funds from their meal plans to peers facing food insecurity. In 2017, Swipe Out Hunger was called upon to author a piece of legislation to address college student hunger. The state of California adopted the legislation and put $50+ million behind it. This legislation has since been replicated in New Jersey and introduced in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Before launching Swipe Out Hunger full-time, Sumekh followed her urge to change the world and served those facing poverty as a case manager in Chicago. Sumekh serves on the board of her spiritual community, IKAR, and is a proud graduate of UCLA. She credits her upbringing as the child of Iranian Jewish immigrants for her intersectional perspective.
Virtual Presentation
Student Activism at Work
Rachel Sumekh, Swipe Out Hunger
March 31
Noon-1:15 p.m.
Rachel describes her inspiration and journey in the development of Swipe Out Hunger while an undergrad at UCLA. Through this talk, students will learn how she developed as a leader, the myths behind food security on college campuses, and words of advice for others wanting to make a positive difference. She will also talk about the critical need for self-care in success. Additional time will also allow for questions.
Open to all interested TWU students, faculty, and staff. Presentation through Zoom.
Virtual Workshop
Swipe Out Hunger Virtual Workshop
March 31
2-3:30 p.m.
SPACE IS LIMITED, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Students will have the amazing opportunity of working with Rachel to explore beginning a Swipe Out Hunger program at Texas Woman’s University. In this workshop, you will discuss how students can get involved, what is needed to get it started, and sustainability. Interactive with time for questions and brainstorming.
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Page last updated 11:59 AM, March 26, 2021