On April 1, 2024, George Mason University students took part in two service events organized by the College of Public Health as part of National Public Health Week. The Gamma Tau chapter of Delta Omega, the national honor society for public health, is headquartered at Mason.
The volunteers, primarily from the Bachelor of Science in Community Health major, were engaged in activities at two campus sites that offer services to students. Initially, they gathered at the Patriot Pantry where they were educated about food scarcity among college students and assisted in packing food bags for those in need. The Patriot Pantry provides food and toiletries once a week to any graduate or undergraduate student enrolled in at least one credit per semester, all services completely free of charge. Affiliated with the College and University Food Bank Alliance, the Patriot Pantry is committed to supporting students in need on campus.
Later in the day, additional volunteers spent three hours at the Presidents Park Greenhouse where they gathered rainbow chard and romaine lettuce to be utilized at Ike’s Dining Hall. The greenhouse relies on volunteers who do not have to be connected to Mason. In light of April being Earth Month, several activities and opportunities exist to explore the greenhouse, taste the produce grown there and engage in various sustainability initiatives across campus.
Reflecting on their experience, Lawson Omene said “I didn’t know much about this greenhouse on campus before volunteering today but it was really interesting to see how they grow produce here without using any harmful chemicals.” This service event marked Gamma Tau chapter’s second annual participation during National Public Health Week. The 10th anniversary celebration of Gamma Tau will take place on April 25 during the Delta Omega Induction Ceremony, welcoming 23 new members to the honor society.
Any Mason student who needs Patriot Pantry services is encouraged to register for a food bag by visiting their website ([insert link]).