Public university ends food insecurity

10,000 Students

|

Bakersfield, CA

Challenge

After 7 pm, there are no quality fresh food options on campus. Many rely on a campus card subsidy for food and can not afford to dine off campus. Others do not feel safe going off campus after hours.

Solution

The VP of Student Affairs partnered with Aramark and FoodSpot to launch three microstores in the largest dormitory on campus. Aramark subcontracted a third-party sushi vendor to stock some of the shelves to provide a comprehensive gourmet dining experience.

Result

Food security is funding food equity. Non-subsidized students use their credit card or meal plan to enjoy fresh food access safely from their dormitory. Subsidized students enjoy peace of mind as they access after-hours nutrition for the first time, and they maintain dignity as they shop from the same place as everyone else.

140 Daily Transactions

6–11 pm

Peak Sales

This is a prime location. We love having these FoodSpot micro markets here: our students get a variety of fresh food every day.

EJ Callahan

VP of Student Affairs

I take a night course, and it’s really hard to find food after the cafeteria closes. With these smart fridges, it’s so handy. I come down at 11 o’clock at night, and walk back up to my dorm room safely

Hortense Ortiz

Student