Nicole Slipko, catering manager for the Metz Culinary Management operation at Niagara University, helps Grant Babcock, operations manager of Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, load trays of food that will be given to guests of the service agency and the Heart, Love and Soul food pantry and dining room. (Courtesy of Niagara University)

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY — Niagara University capped off its 2017 celebration of Vincentian Heritage Week by announcing the coordination of a partnership that will donate leftover food items from its dining halls to two of its nonprofit community partners.

Metz Culinary Management, the university's on-campus foodservice provider, has agreed to donate all leftover food items three times per week to Community Missions of Niagara Frontier and the Heart, Love and Soul food pantry and dining room. The items will then be used to feed the less fortunate and homeless who visit the Niagara Falls-based sites.

"I simply get inspired when I witness the Vincentian legacy," said Sister Beth Brosmer, OSF, executive director of Heart, Love and Soul. "Niagara University has long reached out to those in need using its sizeable influence for good. At Heart, Love and Soul, we are deeply grateful for the donations of food and the ongoing leadership of Niagara in serving our sisters and brothers in Niagara Falls."

"Food has a way of bringing people together," said Robyn L. Krueger, executive director of Community Missions. This community partnership with Niagara University and Metz Culinary Management will ensure that food insecurity is addressed in a positive, respectful and collegial way for all concerned. We are so grateful to NU and Metz for thinking of us and those we serve."

"In recognition of our company's values, Metz Culinary Management is proud to be part of this new partnership with Community Missions and Heart, Love and Soul," said Andrew Shaner, general manager of the dining program at Niagara University. "Through regularly scheduled pickups, our team will ensure that our repurposed food is able to be used as nutritious meals for our local community.

"Metz should be commended for their willingness to assist in helping to feed so many individuals who will benefit from this act of kindness," stated Patti Wrobel, executive director of Niagara University's Father Joseph L. Levesque, CM, Institute for Civic Engagement. "This program exemplifies Niagara University's Vincentian mission and St. Vincent de Paul's call to make action our entire task."

To learn more about Niagara University, visit www.niagara.edu.