Xavier Jesuit Academy is excited to announce a new collaboration with Xavier University and Last Mile Food Rescue that embodies our core value of forming "Men for Others" through meaningful service to our community.
New Partnership Addresses Food Insecurity
This innovative partnership allows our XJA community to repack and distribute excess food from Xavier University's dining hall to those in need throughout Cincinnati. The initiative launched with a successful trial run last Wednesday, receiving enthusiastic support from volunteers who participated.
"This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to prepare young men to be leaders and 'Men for Others,'" said Principal Kyle Chandler. "Our students and families are learning firsthand how small actions can make a significant impact in addressing food insecurity in our community."
About Last Mile Food Rescue
Last Mile Food Rescue is dedicated to ending food insecurity and waste by rescuing excess, desirable food for those who need it most. Their innovative approach uses volunteers, called Food Rescue Heroes, who utilize a mobile app to pick up food donations and deliver them to partner agencies that distribute meals to community members in need.
Since 2020, Last Mile Food Rescue has achieved remarkable results:
- Over 15 million pounds of food rescued
- More than 12.5 million meals provided to the community
- 42 million pounds of CO2eq emissions prevented at landfills
How XJA Community Can Get Involved
The partnership offers ongoing volunteer opportunities for XJA volunteers, staff, and supporters. Volunteers commit to 1.5 hours per week every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., working together to sort, repack, and prepare rescued food for distribution.
Volunteers will be repacking food to distribute to the community. Last Mile Food Rescue follows rigorous regulations to ensure that food prepared was never previously opened or served. These are meals that have been made but haven't been served that would otherwise go to the landfill.
This service opportunity reflects XJA's commitment to cura personalis – care of the whole person – by teaching our young men the importance of caring for their broader community while developing practical life skills and deepening their understanding of social justice.
Join the Mission
Community members interested in this service opportunity are encouraged to contact Jim Barter, XJA's Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@xavierja.org to learn more about getting involved. Interested volunteers will receive training on food safety and must be registered with Safe Parish.
Join us for our Volunteer Kickoff on Wednesday, August 27, at 3:30 p.m., or fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.
This partnership represents another way Xavier Jesuit Academy is living out its mission to enrich families and communities while preparing faith-filled leaders who are committed to doing justice.
