The University Community Development Office (UCDO) Juniors Club of the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos (UNO-R) established a community pantry in front of the university’s main entrance starting Monday, May 17.
It is open to the general public, especially to nearby communities.
The pantry is named Caritas Community Pantry, signifying one of UNO-R’s core value of love (caritas). The concept is framed from the Maginhawa Community Pantry which aimed to address the desperate need for sustenance in this pandemic. Due to a forecasted shortage of resources, the pantry will serve on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.
The pantry highlights the importance of #WalaUsik or Zero Waste lifestyle inspired by the Zero-Waste Community Pantry which was set up by a group of young leaders of St. Therese St., Peñafrancia in Brgy. Cupang, Antipolo City. Thus, UNORians take the necessary measures to ensure a minimal utilization of single-use plastic.
“The goal of this pantry is not solely to give out essential items but it also aims to encourage the use of recyclable bags and bottles and stop the use of single-use plastics as we celebrate the Oceans Month this May,” said Cinderella Delloso, 2nd Year Civil Engineering Student and the President of UCDO Juniors Club.
Residents are also advised and encouraged to bring their bags or bottle when they line up to get food items.
The project is consolidated by organizations amassing within the university and several external linkages. The university is still accepting donations, to be dropped at the main entrance of the school. (Sergs Nino Samson)