THE University Community Development Office (Ucdo) Juniors Club of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) in Bacolod City has established a zero-waste community pantry at the university's main entrance starting on Monday, May 17, 2021.
The pantry is open to the general public, especially to nearby communities.
It was named Caritas Community Pantry, signifying one of UNO-R core values -- love or caritas.
The concept is framed from the Maginhawa Community Pantry which aimed to address the "desperate need for sustenance" in this pandemic.
Due to limited resources, the pantry will serve on a "first-come-first-served" basis.
The pantry highlights the importance of #WalaUsik or zero-waste lifestyle inspired by the Zero-Waste Community Pantry that was set up by a group of young leaders of Saint Theresa Street, Peñafrancia in Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City.
UNO-Rians took the necessary measures to ensure a minimal utilization of single-use plastic.
Second-year Civil Engineering student Cinderella Delloso, who is the president of the Ucdo Juniors Club, said the goal of the pantry is not just to give out essential items.
"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," she added.
Residents are also advised and encouraged to bring their own bags or bottles when they line up to get food items.
The project is consolidated by organizations amassing within the university and several external linkages.
The university, to date, is still accepting donations which can be dropped at the main entrance of the school. (PR)