Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) have unveiled an innovative offering to address the growing issue of food insecurity among college students.
Through Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and its OrderAhead program, FVTC students can now receive discreet, 24/7 access to nutritious meals through temperature-controlled lockers located conveniently on campus.
Available via an easy-to-use online platform, students can order select food items any time of day, ensuring that their needs are met without the stigma often associated with food insecurity.
Orders are placed via an online platform and delivered to the temperature-controlled lockers located on FVTC’s campus, away from high-traffic zones. This initiative not only prioritizes the health and well-being of FVTC students but also safeguards their dignity and privacy.
The food lockers are an additional resource for FVTC students who may already be taking advantage of the college’s student food pantry. On average, 78 students access the Sly’s Goods pantry on campus each week.
Key Features of the Lockers:
- Discreet and Private Access: The lockers are placed in a location that ensures student privacy and reduces stigma.
- 24/7 Availability: An online ordering platform called OrderAhead allows students to select and collect their food at their convenience.
- Nutritional Focus: Food items are curated to meet high nutritional standards, including refrigerated options.
- Innovative Technology: The program leverages modern technology to make food assistance efficient and accessible.
While the food lockers are currently serving an initial cohort of around 50 FVTC students, plans for expansion across Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s 35-county footprint are already underway. The technology’s versatility makes these lockers suitable for implementation beyond just college campuses, offering potential use in traditional food pantries, community centers, and food deserts across the state, to extend food assistance to even more individuals in need.
About Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin:
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest hunger relief organization in the state, with locations in Milwaukee and Appleton. Founded in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is an independent member of the Feeding America network. Collaborating with nearly 400 hunger relief programs including food pantries, meal programs, and shelters, the nonprofit organization provides healthy food for over 500,000 neighbors in need across 35 counties in Eastern Wisconsin. To learn more about how we can all work together to solve hunger in Wisconsin, visit FeedingAmericaWI.org.
About Fox Valley Technical College:
Fox Valley Technical College, part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, offers more than 250 associate degree, technical diploma and other certificate programs. It serves more than 45,000 individuals annually — more than any other technical college in the state.
