Gator Dining has partnered with the UF Farm and Gardens for its annual Aramark Building Community Day (ABC Day). This global philanthropic program, which takes place on Sept. 19, honors giving back to local communities through volunteering and community building. Gator Dining celebrates ABC Day as Aramark is the official food service provider for the University of Florida.

In total, the team planted two beds, or four rows, of green beans and mulched the raised garden bed area. When it’s mature and ready for harvest, the green beans will be donated to the Hitchcock Field and Fork Food Pantry for any member of the UF community who is wrestling with food insecurity to enjoy. The Hitchcock Field and Fork Food Pantry is open to anyone with a valid UF ID, regardless of financial background or other factors.

Gator Dining’s Sustainability Manager, Kayla Caselli-Bido, chose to dedicate ABC Day to UF’s vegetation. Gator Dining staff members learned the process of planting and mulching at the Gardens.

The Gardens are located next the UF Bat Houses and take up an acre and a half of garden space, although Gator Dining’s green beans’ take up half an acre of space. As vegetation matures, it is donated to the Hitchcock Pantry and local charities, such as GRACE Marketplace and Bread of the Mighty Food Bank.

“It was a great afternoon planting future harvests that will support the Gator Nation.  It was our pleasure to support this incredible resource for the UF community,” said Jill Rodriguez, senior district marketing manager for Gator Dining.

ABC Day is a reminder for all Aramark employees to give back to the community. The team’s contributions empower employees to foster a more cohesive work environment for the UF community.