NYC Gazette

St. John’s University has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and food security through a series of events in October. These activities, held on and off the Queens, NY campus, coincided with World Food Day on October 16 and World Sustainability Day on October 30.

The university community, including members of the Campus Sustainability Council, engaged in various initiatives such as volunteer work, conservation campaigns, recycling projects, and food waste recovery. This reflects St. John’s Vincentian heritage.

Students volunteered at the St. John’s Bread & Life food pantry in Brooklyn and other local organizations like Kissena Synergy community service group and Homes for the Homeless shelters across Queens. They also participated in clothing drives, tours of the student-managed Organic Garden, and recycling efforts to mark World Sustainability Day.

April M. Merenda, Assistant Professor/Industry Professional at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, expressed her support for these efforts: “At St. John’s, we incorporate sustainability into our classroom and on campus,” she said.

World Sustainability Day is observed annually on the last Wednesday of October to raise awareness about environmental issues. This year, students introduced a "Cup Conscious" initiative to promote using reusable coffee mugs instead of single-use paper cups.

Peter Barker ’13C, Associate Director of Environmental and Energy Conservation at St. John’s University highlighted ongoing sustainability efforts: “It is great for the University,” he said regarding recent green-energy initiatives that save significant energy annually.

In May, students collected over 2.5 metric tons of food and goods for distribution to those facing housing insecurity or food scarcity through programs like the Dax Program and Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island.

The Organic Garden produces vegetables for the university community with surplus donated to Bread & Life for New York City families in need.

Lillian Broedel, a senior studying Global Development and Sustainability at St. John's College stated: “St. John’s Bread and Life supports the vision of St. Vincent de Paul."