Fox Valley Technical College unveils their new food lockers on campus in Appleton. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fox Valley Technical College is working to ensure all of its students have easy access to fresh, healthy food.
With the help of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, students struggling with food insecurity now have access to a discreet food locker on campus.
For FVTC student Dominic Tesch, these new lockers take a weight off his shoulders as he works to complete his degree.
“I have two full-time jobs so, it’s hard to have money to pay for school and also to pay for groceries, so having this here is a great help,” said Tesch.
The lockers are refrigerated, and provide students with fresh products like fruit, vegetables and dairy.
All they have to do is order the items they’d like through an online platform from their phone.
The food is then delivered by Feeding America into one of the lockers.
The student then scans a QR code on their phone to access the locker.
“I don’t even have to talk to anyone, I can just grab my stuff and it’s very easy,” said Tesch.
These lockers are just another way for students to access fresh foods.
The school’s food pantry serves an average of 78 students each week.
FVTC says the lockers expand what they have to offer for students.
“Produce for students, We’re able to offer cheese and dairy and things like that we just can’t provide (at the student food pantry) for students which are essential to everyday life, everyday living,” said Rahsaan Dunn, FVTC Manager of Student Development & Engagement.
A 2024 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, an independent watchdog group, shows in 2020 — 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity.
These lockers are available 24/7 and aim to ensure student privacy and reduce the stigma often associated with food insecurity.
“It still allows for food dignity, it still allows for choice,” said Patti Habeck, President & CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “And choice is a big deal to us is that people will have the opportunity to go online, order the foods that they want.”
This locker is the first of its kind for Feeding America in Wisconsin.
They hope to bring more to other locations in the future.
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