Daily Sentinel By Katie Langford
A yearlong effort by Colorado Mesa University business students to tackle child hunger in Mesa County culminated with a fundraiser Thursday, which raised more than $1,900 to expand the District 51 Lunch Lizard mobile summer meal program.
Business Honor Society students created an economic impact study and launched a marketing campaign to raise awareness among CMU students and staff about the true cost of hunger.
“The cost of hunger is almost insurmountable each year,” said Lauren Heaton, society president. “The fact that we’re actually going to be able to help feed hungry kids — we don’t get to do that in other classes. In other classes you just get a grade for your project and that’s it. We’re doing something bigger than a grade.”
The students’ economic impact study looked at economic loss, illness, impaired education and other effects of hunger. Based on those factors, the study estimated that hunger costs Mesa County more than $44 million every year.
The Western Colorado Community Foundation partnered with students for the fundraiser, matching donations received Thursday.
“I think everybody who’s gotten involved in this, they’ve really learned how prevalent hunger is in Mesa County,” said Anne Wenzel, WCCF president. “They know hunger exists in (other) countries … but to know that it’s here and it’s prevalent, and that there’s something small each of us can do to make a difference.”
Heaton said the student response was “hugely positive.”
“I loved getting out here and talking to people and engaging the students,” Heaton said. “It’s a bunch of new experiences in one. It’s not just a project, it’s bigger than that.”
For more information about the fundraiser or to donate, go to http://www.coloradogives.org and search for Western Colorado Community Foundation.
