Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN)
Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) at University of Detroit Mercy fosters student and community collaboration for a more food sovereign Detroit. TENN provides students with real opportunities to apply things they learn in the classroom as they design and lead programs that promote equity and sustainability in the food system. As part of the Institute for Leadership and Service, TENN student leaders coordinate multiple service opportunities each week that reduce the immediate effects and systemic causes of hunger and food waste.
Why TENN?
On Jan. 28, 2021, Campus Kitchen celebrated its 10th anniversary and chose a new name that fits our work and mission: Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN).
Titan: We are proud to be Titans. Community collaboration ignites our students and nourishes growth through meaningful service opportunities and educational engagement.
Equity: We strive for a food system that is grounded in equity because equality does not equate to justice. Through mutually beneficial relationships with our community, we seek to examine and remediate the root causes of food and environmental inequity.
Nourish: We nourish bodies, relationships, minds and the earth. While nourishment can be acquired through food, we also nourish through community engagement, education, and sustainable practices.
Network: We are privileged to be a part of a greater network. In collaboration with Detroit Mercy staff, faculty, and students, community partners and campus neighbors, we work together for a more food sovereign Detroit.
2020 Numbers & Reflections
Mission of TENN
The mission of TENN is to develop student leaders through thoughtful engagement with community-led initiatives that promote a more equitable and sustainable food system.
Three core beliefs drive our work:
- We need a more just and sustainable food system. Forty percent of the food that's produced in the United States each year ends up in the waste stream. In the city of Detroit, 48% of households lack consistent access to healthy, culturally appropriate, and affordable food.
- We believe that hunger and food waste are immediate and systemic problems that college students can help to solve. We work to alleviate the effects of these problems while educating ourselves about their root causes.
- We believe that it's a privilege to support positive change in Detroit's food system. Our city is internationally known for the inspiring leaders working to end injustices in the food system, many of whom are our neighbors. We're excited to learn from and support them.
Interested in getting involved with TENN?
Thanks to the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Sisters of St. Joseph Congregation, and our individual and organizational donors for their support. Our programs would not be possible without food donations from Metz Dining Services, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Avalon Bakery and Western Market. We are grateful to our the many organizations who collaborate with us on service and educational programs including the Princeton Street Block Club, Lakeridge Village, Xavier University's Immersive Learning, and a number of urban farms and gardens.
Service opportunities
Check out our linktr.ee to sign up for service, view our calendar and more
Become a TENN Leader
If you're a Detroit Mercy student who feels passionate about food access, fundraising, event planning, health, or community development, consider becoming a part of one of our leadership committees.
