On April 1, George Mason University students took part in two service events organized by the College of Public Health to commemorate Delta Omega Day of Service as part of National Public Health Week 2024. The Gamma Tau chapter of Delta Omega, a national honor society for public health, is headquartered at Mason.
The volunteers, mainly from the Bachelor of Science in Community Health major, were involved 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 helped pack 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 on campus.
Later in the day, additional volunteers spent three hours at the Presidents Park Greenhouse. They harvested rainbow chard and romaine lettuce that would be used at Ike’s Dining Hall. The greenhouse relies on volunteers who are not 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 his experience volunteering with Delta Omega Day of Service event was Lawson Omene who said “I didn’t know much about the greenhouse on campus before volunteering here today but it was fun to volunteer and see all of the food grown there.” He added “It was great participating in National Public Health Week before I graduate this summer”. This service event marked Gamma Tau chapter’s second annual participation during National Public Health Week. As a celebration of their 10th anniversary will take place on April 25 during the Delta Omega Induction Ceremony where they welcome 23 new members into their honor society family.”
Any Mason student who needs help from Patriot Pantry services can register for a food bag through their website [insert link].