Food insecurity has a way of distorting visibility.
On a campus of more than 40,000 students, it is almost impossible to detect. Yet for those who experience it, the stigma attached to seeking assistance can make even the smallest step forward feel like standing in a spotlight.
At The University of Alabama, Student Care & Well-Being (SCWB) and the Psi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority are teaming up to ensure students facing food insecurity can access support with dignity and discretion.
Thanks to a generous donation from Alpha Gamma Delta, UA has purchased a new set of contactless food lockers that will provide groceries to students facing a food insecurity due to an emergency.
The new installation is located in the breezeway under the stairs of the Student Center and will feature 25 individual lockers, including eight refrigerated compartments for perishable items. The lockers will be available 24/7, 365 days a year and will function similarly to the existing Campus Mail lockers.
As part of the Bama Cares Food Pantry, the new Bama Cares lockers will provide food assistance exclusively to students in need. Students who wish to use the lockers must complete an application through the Bama Cares website. Once their application is reviewed, students will receive an email with their approval status and instructions for accessing their items. Students utilizing the lockers will be provided with a barcode and a manual code to open their respective locker.
“It’s important to meet the students where they are right now,” said Kristen Dubose, a case manager for SCWB who played a major role in organizing the Bama Cares lockers. “The needs of students are not just from 8 to 5. For us to reach all of our students, it was important to provide a resource that could be utilized 24/7.”
The idea for the Bama Cares lockers was originally sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person interaction was restricted. While contactless delivery helps create a streamlined process, one of the biggest advantages of the lockers is the privacy they provide.
“Having such a discreet process allows everyone who uses the lockers to feel comfortable,” said Bella Fiaschetti, vice president of philanthropy for Alpha Gamma Delta. “It’s so important that they don’t feel a stigma about using the food pantry or feel the pressure of ‘Oh, I can’t get this resource because people are going to see me using this resource.’ You can just get a text on your phone, go into this little area, and you are free to pick up your resources.”
Given Alpha Gamma Delta’s long commitment to Bama Cares, Dr. Kat Gillan, the associate dean for the Dean of Students, approached Alpha Gamma Delta Chapter Advisor Lissa Tyson about the growing need for accessible food resources and the positive impact a 24-hour contactless pantry outside the Student Center could have on students.
“What began as a conversation about meeting an unmet student need quickly evolved into a transformative partnership, ultimately turning a years-long vision of expanding access to food and other essential resources into a reality,” Dr. Gillan said. “For that, I am incredibly grateful to Alpha Gamma Delta for its investment in our students and its unwavering commitment to helping them succeed.”
In addition to its recent contribution to the new lockers, Alpha Gamma Delta has long supported the Bama Cares Food Pantry, helping fund initiatives such as Fresh Fruit Friday and other efforts to address food insecurity among students.
“They have been such a joy to work with,” Kristen said of Alpha Gamma Delta. “Anything we do, they are always willing to help. It’s always, ‘Hey, just let us know what you need, and we’ll do it.’ With their involvement, we’re able to reach more students.”
With the addition of the new lockers, that impact will only continue to grow. By expanding access to food assistance while preserving privacy and convenience, SCWB and Alpha Gamma Delta hope more students will feel comfortable seeking help when they need it most.
“It’s so awesome to be able to support our campus and to be able to see that impact,” Bella said. “There are so many people who utilize the food pantry, whether it’s Fresh Fruit Friday and every event that the food pantry hosts. It’s great to see the direct impact we have made, and that’s what meant the most to me.”
FAQ
Who qualifies to use the Bama Cares lockers?
The lockers are reserved for students facing emergencies. Examples include, but are not limited to, a student losing access to financial support from a parent or guardian, facing a medical bill they are unable to pay or incurring unexpected expenses due to a family emergency.
The Bama Cares lockers aren’t intended to replace a meal plan or routine grocery shopping. However, students experiencing food insecurity should not hesitate to reach out and explore the resources available to them.
How far in advance do students need to place an order when requesting items?
Generally, it is encouraged that requests be made at least 24 hours in advance. However, Bama Cares handles requests on a case-by-case basis and will work to accommodate students needing a quicker turnaround for their resources.
How discreet is the pickup process?
The lockers are located in a secluded area of the Student Center, allowing for greater privacy during pickup.
The lockers are not outwardly labeled as food insecurity resources and look similar to the ones used by Campus Mail, allowing students to access items without drawing unwanted attention. Similarly, items are placed in non-identifying bags and packaging to ensure a discreet pickup experience.
What type of items can be requested?
Requests are not limited to food. Other examples include, but are not limited to laundry detergent pods, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, tampons and other personal hygiene products. Essentially, if an item is generally found in a grocery store, it can be made available upon request.
How can someone donate to the Bama Care lockers?
Donations can be made by purchasing items on Bama Cares’ Amazon and Walmart wish lists. Those who wish to donate directly through the University can do so through the Student Life Campus Pantry Fund.
