A recently launched app is helping students and employees locate free food and supplies on the UCR campus.

Scotty's Final Call, a Highlander Link app launched by UCR’s Health, Well-Being and Safety department in September, notifies subscribers about events offering leftover food and health supplies.

Created by The Well and Basic Needs, the initiative aims to reduce campus food waste and provide health supplies to students, staff, and faculty through message alerts about leftover items from events or conferences.

“The main goal is to notify the campus community when there’s leftover food or supplies from events, reducing waste and supporting those who may face food insecurity,” said Connie Marmajelo, director of the Well.

Students, faculty, and staff can subscribe to Scotty’s Final Call through the Highlander link. Since the app launched, the Highlander link has gained 1,978 subscribers, which includes UCR students, faculty, and staff. Subscribers receive live text and email alerts with campus locations offering free health promotion supplies, ready-to-eat meals, drinks, snacks, and leftover food.

“It's my sixth time grabbing food,” said Mike Goolis, a graduate student and mentor in the graduate student mentorship program, who responded to a recent alert. “I had heard about it and finally decided to check it out. It’s a great resource, and I’ve shared it with my mentees so they know about it.”

Chisom Udeh, a third-year student who recently signed up, said it’s a great option.

“Some students don’t have time between classes to go home and eat,” Udeh said. “Having a quick grab-and-go option is super convenient, and it also helps cut down on food waste on campus.”

Donated items vary depending on the event and may include food from Dining Services catering or outside vendors. Examples of donated food include pre-packaged meals and catered items such as sandwiches, salads, and pasta, including some vegan options. Occasionally, treats like coffee, boba, or desserts are also available. For health-focused events, donations may include sleep kits, sexual health supplies, or flu and COVID-19 prevention materials.

Any UCR affiliates hosting events on campus can sign up to participate in the Scotty’s Final Call initiative to help promote their event and donate leftover food and well-being supplies after the event.

In order to donate, there must be enough food or supplies for at least 15 people. Eligible items to donate include pre-packaged items, unopened containers, commercially prepared dishes, unopened personal care items, hygiene products, menstrual products, school supplies, and additional health promotion items.

To promote an event and donate leftover food or supplies, call the Well between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. before or during the event at (951) 827-WELL (9355). For advance promotion of the event, email thewell@ucr.edu

Link to Scotty’s Final Call highlander link: https://highlanderlink.ucr.edu/organization/hws

Scotty's Final Call: Food & Well-being Recovery Program donation guidelines: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kthkR5k3B7m5RwgfRskdCCbJcf5XoI6H/view