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