Maria’s journey of service began with a bang – the sound of boxes of macaroni and cheese made hitting the dumpster as they were reluctantly thrown out after reaching their expiration date. Maria knew if a system existed for food banks to reach out to each other for surplus or needed food, there would be much less food going to waste. From this idea, she co-created M.E.A.N.S. (Matching Excess And Need for Stability), a database approved for trial in Iowa and South Dakota that does just that. While waiting for M.E.A.N.S.’ approval, Maria also co-created “Fighting for Food: A Guide to Running Successful Food Drives in High Schools,” after recognizing the lack of online resources for student leaders and volunteer groups. The Guide has been picked up by organizations nationally and has been distributed to students in 30 states and six countries.
Maria received a $5,000 scholarship to put towards her education at American University, along with a $5,000 grant presented to the Iowa Food Bank Association.
Read More: http://3blmedia.com/News/Maria-Belding-2014-Stephen-J-Brady-Stop-Hunger-Scholarship-Recipient-0
© 2014 | 3BL Media/Sodexo Foundation | All Rights Reserved