Sonoma State University has various different programs that occur on a weekly basis which are not always  advertised on campus. A very important event that happens once every week is SOUP-ER nights. SOUP-ER stands for Serving Our Underfed People Everyday Repackaging. 

Every Monday night from 8:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. those who choose to volunteer for this event all meet up at the Student Center and later proceed to the school’s cafeteria kitchen in order to repackage the unused food from that day. This program takes the uneaten food from the kitchen and donates it to people of the Orenda Center. 

The Orenda Center is located in Santa Rosa and it is a private rehab for people with addiction problems. This organization is dedicated to providing resources to people who may be facing these issues. 

“This program is a great opportunity to engage with the community while solving issues surrounding sustainability. As we enter a climate crisis, it is important to change our habits by addressing issues like food insecurity and food waste,” said Mikayla, the Sustainability Coordinator for Join Us Making Progress (JUMP). 

Every year Sonoma State spends thousands of dollars on food and it is relieving to know that the school is making a conscious effort to produce as little waste as possible. This event may not be featured on Seawolf living as well as the student life calendar, but it is a weekly event that makes a big difference in the community.  We have the capability to make such a big change. It may not seem that major to some, but this little change can make such a big difference in the world as a whole. 

“I did not know that this program existed at Sonoma State and now that I am aware I am more willing to learn about these opportunities and get more involved,” said Jennifer Quintero, a Sonoma State student. 

This event is benefitting more than just one party. It helps feed many, as well as immensely cuts down on waste which is a major issue that people seem to overlook. 

The purpose behind JUMP is to bring community service as well as learning opportunities to the students of Sonoma State. Not only does community service look amazing on resumes but it also helps people grow as individuals by pushing them out of their comfort zone. There are several different opportunities that are presented to students when it comes to volunteering and it is very important that students make an effort to get out there and make a change. 

“I was an advocate for community service in high school and I was so pleased to see that Sonoma State offers community service opportunities on campus, getting involved helps me grow as a person as well as aids in making an impact in our community,” said Catherine Crain, a Sonoma State student. 

If students would like to join in on this event they can email [email protected].