<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0TL10U_0wNXpv2d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0TL10U_0wNXpv2d00" width="799" height="533" ><figcaption>Charlotte students picking out fresh produce from the Harvest Exchange in the Belk Plaza.&nbsp; Megan Bentley / Niner Times</figcaption></figure>The Charlotte Harvest Exchange, hosted by the Levine Scholars Program in collaboration with The Bulb, provided free sustainable produce to students in Belk Plaza on Oct. 23.Students attending received a full bag of fresh produce, including corn, cucumbers, potatoes and apples, in exchange for empty egg cartons, plastic bags and fruit containers.The Exchange was implemented to provide food to those who may be food insecure and implement more sustainable practices to reduce food waste."We're just happy to provide free food and knowledge about the food you're eating—maybe even some recipes for everyone to try out with things like spaghetti squash or other vegetables that aren't traditionally found in dining halls," said third-year Madison Lewis. The Charlotte Harvest Exchange is a continuation of last year's event, which was started by three Levine Scholars who wanted to give back to the Charlotte community.This event was part of the Levine Scholars Program civic engagement project. Each Levine Scholar is given $8,000 as part of their scholarship to contribute towards a project that gives back to the community. Lewis participated in the previous Harvest Exchange and wanted to continue the project this year.The Exchange was hosted in collaboration with The Bulb, a donation-based organization in Charlotte that provides fresh produce to communities in and around Charlotte. Sustainability is an important aspect of The Bulb's mission, and its team focuses on saving food and reducing waste."All of what The Bulb brings here on campus is food that is saved, so anything that like an apple that has a little bruise on it that grocery major retailers aren't going to want to sell, they partner with those major retailers like Food Lion, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods," said third-year Gracie Bricker. "We're reducing food waste and supporting the environment by saving these items and growing some of them ourselves."The Bulb operates on a 'take what you need, give what you take' payment structure, meaning that people can still access produce if they are not financially able to purchase from a chain grocery store. People are encouraged to give back and pay when they are able so that The Bulb can continue to help others in the future."The market is not just a place to grab groceries—it's an opportunity to learn. We encourage students to ask questions about where their food comes from and to think critically about how they can reduce waste in their own lives," said Bricker.Students attending shared how access to produce can allow them to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. They also noted how the affordability is especially beneficial for college students. Food insecurity is a common issue among college students due to many students coming from low-income backgrounds or struggling with finances due to the high cost of education. "First, realize you're not alone. A lot of people are going through food insecurity without even knowing what to call it—whether it's not being able to afford a meal plan or just eating pizza and chips every day. It's not sustainable," said Lewis.The Exchange was hosted as part of the Office of Sustainability's yearly Sustainability Month for 2024.Past events this year have included the Student Sustainability Organization Showcase, Transportation Fair and Student Sustainability Summit. Upcoming events for this month include an off-campus Biketoberfest in the Charlotte metro area. The Levine Scholars are hosting a future exchange on Nov. 13, featuring more free produce for students. Students will also receive free tote bags, t-shirts and additional merchandise.</div></body>

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Levine Scholars host Charlotte Harvest Exchange, bringing fresh produce to students

The Charlotte Harvest Exchange, hosted by the Levine Scholars Program in collaboration with The Bulb, provided free sustainable produce to students in Belk Plaza on Oct. 23. Students attending received a full bag of fresh produce, including corn, cucumbers, potatoes and apples, in exchange for empty egg cartons, plastic bags and fruit containers.