By Lillian Pereira

At first, one might think that the Just Food club is an excuse to eat food during club time. However, that could not be farther from the truth. The Just Food club, while often offering treats to its members, is focused on combating food insecurity in our community. In Westchester County, 8% of the population, or around 79,000 individuals, rely on SNAP benefits and donations to keep themselves fed. In addition, lots of the food that we eat is simply thrown away, contributing to the culture of anti-biodegratism that is present worldwide. In both of these issues, the Just Food club is working on solutions.

“We are creating a Stop the Loop Initiative,” said club founder and co-president Chase Talpins ‘27. “We want to create [a curriculum] that connects to the Zeus digester, as well as to the gardens on campus.” The club’s mission and impact can already be seen throughout the school with initiatives like the Food Waste Challenge, in which the Upper School did surprisingly well in this year.

In addition, the Just Food Club is proud to give its members sources of amazing volunteer opportunities conserving food inequality in our community. “Our members are working on a volunteering initiative,” explained Talpins, “where it models these local organizations, and they’re able to learn how to reach out to other sources and connect with local community organizations.” This is a follow-up from last year, and Talpins hopes that this spreadsheet will continue to be used in the future and “give more volunteering opportunities to students.”

Members of the Just Food Club, such as C.C Lui ‘28,  are thrilled that the Just Food Club is now being given some long-overdue attention. “I think that we put in a lot of work,” said Lui, “and it’s nice to see that acknowledged.” The Rye Crop is proud to report on such a wonderful club, who keep making their mark on the community. They have even taken to social media, where their instagram (@justfood.rcds), continues to raise awareness on their mission statement: “No food inequality, equitable access for all in food, and making sure everyone’s education on the food system.” With such a noble cause under their belt, it’s clear that the Just Food Club is about more than just food; it’s a club dedicated to helping the world bloom.