A group of 16 students completed their TCNJ Community Engaged Learning day requirement and most importantly, provided fresh produce to needy area organizations. Led by Bonner scholars and staff and working closely with Farmers Against Hunger, two groups of first year students visited two separate area farms.

New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger is a food recovery program that collects and distributes more than 1.5 million pounds of food at no cost to the recipients. Farmers Against Hunger distributes to hunger-relief organizations throughout much of the state, this time to Trenton area organizations.

In the morning, Todd Stoner, staff from the Bonner Center, and Shawn Hines, Bonner Scholar, drove the students to Strawberry Hill Farm in Chesterfield and Fernbrook Farm in Bordentown. Jacqueline Abbey and Shawn Hines, Bonner Scholars, also assisted in leading the day. There the students collected apples that had fallen to the ground as well as cherry tomatoes and other excess produce which they then delivered to Trenton Salvation Army, a drop-in center.

In the afternoon, two more vans left TCNJ and collected produce at Fernbrook farm in Bordentown. Bonner Scholars Sejour Stephens, Ashley Covello, Suzette Martinho, and Adam Sferlazzo led the afternoon activities. They delivered the produce to Mount Carmel Guild in Trenton and to El Centro of Catholic Charities. They were greeted by staff and clients who showed great appreciation for the donation.

Before each event, first year students learned about Hunger. Pat Donohue, Director of Bonner Center, met with the afternoon team to discuss TCNJ's strong commitment to service learning. At the conclusion of their CEL day, the students met with Bonner Scholars to discuss and reflect upon their activities.