Empowering students with accessible food assistance through innovative new Food Assistance lockers.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Food Assistance and Well-Being Program stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to student wellness. Its mission is clear: provide nutritious food and essential items in an environment that fosters education, dignity and belonging. The university has recently opened Food Assistance lockers that combines accessibility and inclusivity to serve diverse student needs.
Operations
The locker system was introduced to complement the already existing shopping-style pantry located at the Activities and Recreation Center. Students request items they need and get an email when items are ready for pick up from the refrigerated lockers.
College students can have irregular schedules depending on classes and other commitments, so these lockers provide a resource for students who cannot access the pantry during available times or don’t feel comfortable shopping in person.
Alana Harris, the associate director of Assessment, Student Wellness and Adventure Recreation, has noticed that the lockers benefit students who previously weren’t taking advantage of the food assistance program.
“The users of the food lockers are different from our users of the shopping-style pantry,” said Harris. “We are serving a different audience, but already it’s been well received.”
Community Collaboration
In order to make the Food Assistance and Well-Being Program and the Food Assistance lockers a success, student volunteers have been a key part of the program. Currently, the programs have 20 volunteers.
“This program is possible because of our investment in human capital,” said Harris. “We rely on our volunteers and staff who are onsite organizing everything, keeping the program compliant with regulations, operating it and collaborating with us.”
The Food Assistance and Well-Being Program is also made possible by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s partnerships. The university has partnered with the local Eastern Illinois Food Bank and the Wesley United Methodist Church, a 150(c)3 program, to stock supplies.
Providing Community and Essential Services
By using resources within the local community, the Food Assistance and Well-Being Program fosters a sense of unity. This program benefits the rec department because it allows students to redefine the role the rec department plays in the lives of students. Most students hold the idea that recreation departments are only gyms. In reality they contribute to overall student wellness.
“We recognize in order for students to be successful, they can’t be hungry,” said Harris. “They need to have the fuel necessary to engage in physical activity and to focus on studying. Our food programs show students Campus Recreation is part of the continuum of wellness and an essential service for campus.”
Bringing people into the rec center for the pantry or Food Assistance lockers demonstrates to students that the university is dedicated to fostering a safe space and welcoming environment. Getting students in the door is the first step in engaging them in other areas of the rec department.
What to Remember
When asked about what advice Harris would give to other universities thinking of starting a similar program, she advised to be aware of state regulations. In Illinois, there are specific regulations that require the program to have a 501(c)3 partner in order to not affect student financial aid packages. Knowing what rules are in place — both for your institution and state — is important to making the program a success within your community.
Seeking guidance from local food assistance organizations in your community is a key to providing students what they need. “Our partnerships have been instrumental in our program being successful,” explained Harris. “It’s important to maximize the resources and knowledge of the community to make essentials available to students.”
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