Rutgers University Derails Meal Donation Campaign

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – An effort by some Rutgers University students to aid the needy has been halted over food safety concerns and a campus policy that bans soliciting in dining halls.

The short-lived "Operation Robin Hood" asked students at the New Brunswick campus to pick up an extra takeout meal and donate it to a local soup kitchen.

A Rutgers grad organized the campaign, which quickly drew support from students.

But on Wednesday, two days after it began, Rutgers officials banned the practice, limiting students to one takeout meal at a time.

University officials say they were worried about food contamination and the effect on costs if a large number of students donated meals.