University Friends Circle: UC Global Food Initiative

University Friends Circle (UFC) will gather for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Branding Iron Restaurant, 640 W. 16th St., Merced.

Jason Souza, director of Dining Services, will share UC Merced’s participation in the University of California Global Food Initiative. The initiative, established by UC President Janet Napolitano and the UC’s 10 chancellors, focuses on sustainability, waste diversion and local farm-to-table dining.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests. For information on joining UFC or to RSVP, visit friendscircle.ucmerced.edu. The reservation deadline is noon Jan. 2.

Individuals from UC Merced and the surrounding communities are encouraged to join UFC. For information about joining UFC, visit friendscircle.ucmerced.edu.

UFC's mission is to inspire and maintain strong relationships between the UC Merced community and the communities of the San Joaquin Valley through activities that promote social and intellectual interaction, programs of service and fundraising initiatives that support UC Merced scholarships.