The project is called the Campus Kitchen Project.

UW-Eau Claire’s Blugold Dining General Manager Christian Wise says each week about 4-5% of the university's food isn't used. So some students are going to take that food and donate it to the community.

What started as a homework assignment, has turned into a community saving project.

"The need is so great in the community right now. Especially with the economy inflation going up," says Project Coordinator Dylan Thomas.

He says students at UW-Eau Claire are taking unused food from the cafeterias and are preparing full meals.

"We have to make a complete meal. A protein, a grain, dessert, vegetable and fruit," he says.

For right now, the project is small.

"They're shooting to start off serving between 50 and 60 meals. And hopefully over time they'll grow," says Wise.

And Thomas says they may need some help along the way because the leftovers may not be enough.

"So lets say we can't get some fruit or something for that meal that we need to deliver that week, sometimes we need to buy some food from Sodexho or the grocery store," Thomas says.

But he says the group is already looking towards the future.

"We're just getting our feet wet so to speak. When we're a well oiled machine we hope to expand that greatly," Thomas says.

An expansion to help both the community, and the students.

"It actually works like a business. It involves students getting together, being coordinated, developing schedules, making contacts in the community. And preparing food, cooking the food and then delivering it," Wise says.

The project starts next week with only one food recipient so far: Northwest Passage in Eau Claire.

Campus Kitchen Project is collecting donations right now to help offset some costs, including start up costs (aprons, hairnets, etc.) and extra food costs. To make a donation you can contact Dylan Thomas through email at thomasdp@uwec.edu.