Ƶ students studying abroad on the Italian island Sicily as a part of the Food in Sicily program experienced first-hand how service organizations combat some of society's biggest issues, such as: dangers posed to migrants, reintroduction to society from prison and food insecurity.
The volunteer and social activities in Food in Sicily — which ran from May 6-26 — all shared one thing in common: food. Students toured a farm that provides integration pathways for prisoners; volunteered to prepare meals at a local church kitchen; and toured ship operated by , which saves endangered migrants as they cross the Mediterranean Sea.
“When I saw the ResQ boat docked in the port of Ortigia, I immediately rushed over,” said Theresa Moran, co-director of the Italy: Food in Sicily study away program and adjunct associate professor of instruction in Environmental and Plant Biology. “This is one of the vessels that goes out to rescue migrants in small boats and rafts who attempt the perilous journey from the Libyan coast across the Mediterranean, hoping to reach the European Union by getting to Italy. Many thousands drown on the way. Luckily, there was a crew member on deck, and I was able to arrange a visit for the students the following day.”
ResQ was established in 2019 with one goal: protect life and human rights in the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2014, more than 20,000 men, women and children fleeing war, civil strife, famine and poverty have perished trying to cross from the open waters of the Mediterranean to European shores. The ResQ vessel is a 300-ton search and rescue ship with a crew of 20 people, which includes maritime professionals and specialized volunteers such as: doctors and nurses, rescuers, cultural mediators, a logistician and a cook. On board there is also a small medical clinic and separate accommodations for women and children.
Food in Sicily students toured the ship, met with the captain and volunteers and watched videos of the ship’s rescue missions. In the small galley kitchen, the students learned about the challenges of feeding the often desperately hungry survivors of diverse ages, religions and nationaliti