Source: Fox Valley Technical College
Jan 20, 2025, 2:40 PM CST
It’s a groundbreaking initiative aimed at easing the burden on students facing food insecurity. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is partnering with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) to offer a unique solution. There are now refrigerated food lockers available with 24/7 access. Patti Habeck, CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, and Beth Burns, FVTC Vice President of Student Success, join Maino and the Mayor to discuss how this program will provide students with the opportunity to select from a variety of nutritious, fresh, and shelf-stable food options.
LISTEN to the complete interview here:
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“Students can choose meals online, which are then packaged and placed in secure lockers on the FVTC campus,” Burns explains. “This innovation ensures that students can access healthy food at their convenience without relying on traditional office hours or stigma-laden food pantries. Many are already working multiple jobs or facing financial constraints.”
Habeck tells Maino and the Mayor about the importance of community collaborations in addressing hunger.
“We couldn’t do this alone. It’s partnerships like these that allow us to reach more individuals in need,” she says. “The food lockers are filled with a mix of perishable and non-perishable items, and students access their locker using a personalized code.”
Burns highlights the practical benefits of the program. It includes providing students with the flexibility to pick up food on their own schedule.
“This is a critical resource for busy, budget-conscious students,” Burns says. “The project is currently being tested with around 50 students, but both organizations are optimistic about expanding the program as we gather insights about students’ needs and preferences.”
The food lockers are an extension of FVTC’s existing food pantry but provide an anonymous and accessible alternative for students. Burns says while food pantries are vital, the lockers offer students a discreet way to access meals without the pressure of asking for help in person.
“And this is just the beginning. Our goal is to find solutions that empower individuals and help them succeed,” Burns explains. “As the program grows, it has the potential to make a lasting impact on student well-being and success across the region.”
Read more about the refrigerated food lockers here.
Watch this video by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin:
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