What is Otter Eats?
Otter Eats is a new program that alerts CSUMB students to free-food opportunities on campus. It is an opt-in texting feature in which students receive texts that briefly describe the location, time and what food items are available. The opportunities are meant to be rather immediate so the texts will generally go out within the hour that that the food is available.
How do students opt-in?
Opt-in to be notified when there is available food by texting EATS to 76626. Subscribers remain anonymous and will only be communicated with Otter EATS notifications.
Examples of opportunities texted via Otter Eats
- Associated Students (AS) Food Pantry Days
- Leftover food at events
- Any campus event that is open to all students with food available
Otter Eats guidelines for student participants
Otter EATS welcomes all students through the opt-in text feature. In order for the program to continue the following guidelines must be adhered to:
- Students are guests of the host of the event
- The food put out is all that is available
- Food is available for the last 20 minutes of the event
- One, clean plate per person each time food is obtained
- Food is to be consumed on site (there are no to-go's)
For Departments who have leftover food
Otter EATS is an initiative of the Basic Needs Committee and a collaboration between A’viands, the Dean of Students Office, Associated Students and the University Center. Funds from the SB 85 “Hunger-Free” Campus Grant are being utilized to support the program. The purpose is to offer a convenient and immediate way to communicate to students where food is available at the conclusion of campus catered events.
Goals of Otter Eats
- Alleviate food insecurity amongst CSUMB students
- Build campus community
- Divert food waste
How to participate
1. If you have leftover food at 30 minutes until the conclusion of your catered event that meets food safety requirements for consumption, you are able to utilize Otter EATS.
2. E-mail ottereats@csumb.edu to initiate a text being sent to the Otter EATS list. You may also attempt to reach staff in the Dean of Students Office by calling x3505 or x4081 to provide the following information.
In your email include:
- Location
- Description of the food items available.
- When students can begin coming in and end time of the event
3. Stay at the location and welcome students into the room. For food safety reasons, food must be enjoyed in the space in which it is being served. Take this opportunity to engage with students and make them feel comfortable in the space. Additionally if host can’t stay, the University Center staff can assist.
4. At the end of the 20 minutes, catering will pick up the leftover food and you've been able to help feed hungry students!
Example email
Subject: Text request
Dear Otter EATS,
We have 30 minutes left of our banquet in the UC Living Room. Students can come now, 1:00 pm. Event is over at 1:30 pm.
The food is a fajita bar, plenty of chicken and vegetarian options available.
Thanks!
-The KELP Forest
Food safety
When making a determination of which food items are appropriate for Otter EATS, consider the following:
- Food sitting out longer than 2 hours not eligible, exceptions are baked goods, packaged items, beverages.
- One, clean plate per person each time food is obtained.
- Avoid dressings, condiments that need refrigeration.
Questions? E-mail ottereats@csumb.edu