Post on 25-May-2015
description
WCTC Campus CupboardWiCC Regional Gathering9/23/2013
The National Scene “35.2 percent of students reported that
within the past 12 months, finances were “traumatic or very difficult to handle” (and that percentage doesn’t include the students who selected finances in addition to other factors, such as family problems or personal health)”-InsideHigherEd, 2011
Cont. “According to the Institute for Higher Education
Policy, the proportion of low-income young adults enrolled in college has been increasing over time, particularly among some minority populations. In 2008, 15.5 million young adults were from families living at, near, or below the poverty line, and nearly 60 percent of them were attending a college or earned some sort of degree during that time”
-InsideHigherEd, 2011
Project Background College/university food pantries are a
growing trend, and student need was evident
Research and assessment began in 2010-2011 academic year NWTC Tour Student Survey Local food pantry outreach
Student Survey College staff worked with Student
Government Association to get student feedback on campus food pantry
Distributed to all credit-taking students Nearly 500 student respondees gave us
over 40 pages of qualitative and quantitative feedback
Survey Question Examples How often do you
skip meals to save money?
Would you use a campus food shelf?
Are you currently using a community food pantry?
Are you receiving SNAP benefits?
Student Survey Highlights 15% self-reported they receive SNAP
benefits 40% reported skipping meals at least
once a week to save $ 20% said they skip “several times per
week” 52% reported they would have interest
in accessing a campus-based food shelf Overwhelming positive comments in
favor
Development Committee met to
develop guidelines, best practices, safety protocols, etc.
SGA supported project construction-began December 2011
The Finished Product!
How It Works Students must bring
current Student ID Each student receives
a pre-made bag filled with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items
Staff members only during distribution hours
Students involved in collection, bagging, sorting, and décor!
How We’re Supported Donations always accepted at the
Student Life front desk, C-121, and a few other campus locations
“Food for Fines” Monetary donations collected through a
WCTC Foundation Advised Fund Partnership with select partners (Carroll
University, board members)
Other Initiatives “Give Thanks By Giving” – SGA project,
selling “thank-you” bracelets for delivery, supports Thanksgiving bag program Donated Thanksgiving meals to 20
families last year Working to partner with culinary
program within confines of health & safety guidelines
Benefits Served nearly 1,000 bags since opening
in March 2012 An outlet for staff and student service in
many forms United campus community around a
common cause Referral service for students who are
struggling (Counseling, community agencies)
Challenges Maintaining stock in the Cupboard is a
balancing act Shopping Food Drive timing
Expired food
Questions? Contact Kelly
Ratliff, Assistant Director of Student Development
kratliff@wctc.edu Ext. 5377 Cupboard Ext.
5122