By Neil Nachbar

Two members of the University of Rhode Island student chapter of National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) teamed up with the non-profit organization Hungry Fridays to pass out free lunches at Kennedy Plaza in Providence on Sept. 29.

“I was looking for ways in which URI NSBE could make a direct and positive impact within the Providence, Rhode Island community,” said Tunde Akinkuowo, NSBE’s TORCH (Technical Outreach and Community Help) chair. “I noticed that Hungry Friday had previously worked with URI student organizations, so I contacted them about a community outreach partnership.”

The group from Hungry Friday prepared the lunches, which included peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies, chips, and bottled water, the evening before the event.

Akinkuowo and NSBE Chapter President ThankGod Ugochukwu met up with five volunteers from Hungry Fridays at noon to hand out 150 lunches to the appreciative community.

“Handing out the lunches had a profound impact on ThankGod and I,” said Akinkuowo. “It reinforced the idea that kindness can go a long way. It just feels good to be able  to help people that may not necessarily be in a position to help you and return the favor. As we passed out the lunches most people gave us an excited, yet incredulous look. It appeared as if they were wondering ‘what’s in it for you.'”

Akinkuowo and Ugochukwu are both seniors at URI. Akinkuowo is studying industrial and systems engineering, while Ugochukwu is majoring in biomedical engineering and minoring in entrepreneurship.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to learn about human dignity and support those in need,” said Chuck Watson, URI College of Engineering Assistant Director of Minority Student Recruitment and Retention.