When did CWU begin working with PUSH?
Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH) is a national effort to encourage college and university presidents to commit to fighting hunger. At the urging of faculty, staff, and students CWU President James Gaudino signed the committment in 2015. The CWU PUSH chapter is committed to reducing hunger and resource insecurity on campus.
Our Mission
To connect students and other members of our campus community in need of basic resources with food, shelter, and clothing through our services in collaboration with our community partners.
Our Goals
- Provide and advertise spaces across campus where students can access food, clothing, hygiene products, and other resources.
- Develop a network of on- and off-campus organizations that connects students with resources in the community.
- Provide volunteer opportunities to students, faculty, and staff who wish to assist with PUSH's efforts.
- Increase campus awareness of the needs that exist for basic resources within our community.
- Reduce the level of need in our community.
- Get Involved
Are you interested in getting involved in the PUSH project? The PUSH student club meets biweekly on Wednesdays. To join the student club, find us on Instagram, Prescence, or Teams!
- PUSH Advisory Committee
PUSH is advised by a coalition of faculty, staff, and community members who assist the student club with initiatives on campus:
- CWU Department of Health Sciences
- CWU Auxiliary Enterprises
- CWU Dining Services
- CWU Office of Case Management
- CWU Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE)
- CWU Diversity and Equity Center
- CWU Environmental Studies
- FISH Community Food Bank
- APOYO Food Bank
If you are interested in joining the advisory committee, please contact Kate Doughty (they/them).
- Campus Sponsors and Partners
PUSH parners with departments across the university, who help support PUSH in fulfilling its mission. Campus partnerships include:
- Dining Services: Donates items from their grab and go selection that are fresh and edible but can no longer be sold at retail price. PUSH stocks these items in the pantry refrigerators for students to access as they become availble. Dining Services was also instrumental in setting up the Emergency Meal fund.
- CWU SLICE: Supports PUSH by hosting programs and lending their time to help move PUSH toward fulfilling their mission.
- Diversity and Equity Center: Often hosts PUSH pop-up pantries and events, in addition to hosting one pantry location.
- CWU Auxiliary Enterprises: Hosts the online platform and lends staff support for the Emergency Meal fund
- Wildcat Neighborhood Farm: Donates produce to the pantries.