Over the last decade, UCF’s Wellness and Health Promotion Services has worked to ensure students have access to fresh, healthy food with its FreshU Kitchen program. Now thanks to a $100,000 award from Florida Blue, even more students will benefit from its services.
“We are beyond thrilled to have a dedicated community partner in Florida Blue. Their unwavering support creates a healthier UCF community,” says Stephanie Spies ’06 ’09MA, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services. “FreshU Kitchen has evolved into a comprehensive care unit for our students, empowering one Knight at a time.”
Florida Blue’s support is helping the FreshU Kitchen reach more students than ever, expanding access to fresh foods, hands-on cooking education and the nutrition resources Knights need to make healthy choices and thrive academically and personally.
FreshU Kitchen began as small campus gardens and has grown into a program that feeds thousands of students each year for free through equitable access to nutritious meals and cooking education. FreshU Kitchen has become more than a source of meals — it is a foundation for student success and well-being.
Last month, the kitchen celebrated its recent major renovation — made possible by Florida Blue — with a ribbon cutting. The funding allowed UCF to acquire professional kitchen equipment and offer more cooking classes and demonstrations. It also ensures students have access to fresh fruits and vegetables while addressing food insecurity through quality nutrition.
The expansion enables FreshU Kitchen to grow from serving 8,000 students annually to more than 11,000.
“At Florida Blue, we believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right, and we’re proud to support UCF’s FreshU Kitchen program in its mission to combat food insecurity and promote student success. This investment in the UCF community aligns with our commitment to building a healthier Florida, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on the lives of thousands of students,” says Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market president, Florida Blue.
Increasing Access to Health and Nutrition
The Division of Student Success and Well-Being is the hub for services and support that help Knights thrive. The division creates holistic experiences that empower students to succeed. FreshU Kitchen is a dynamic part of this effort, promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition education.
Poor nutrition contributes to chronic conditions like obesity and disease. Research shows that students who lack proper nutrition often struggle with concentration and learning. FreshU Kitchen addresses these challenges by providing healthy food and nutrition education that improves student health, enhances learning, boosts retention and helps them stay on track to graduate.
