Drury University in Springfield, Mo., has launched a free meal swipe pilot to help combat food insecurity on campus.
This semester, commuter and residential students who are experiencing food insecurity can request a free meal swipe by telling the cashier at the dining hall on campus. Students can also donate unused meal swipes to their peers.
“Survey data from the Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors highlighted that there was a need among our students,” said Dr. Ethan Sykes, director of housing and residential programs, in a statement. “When we approached [Student Government Association] SGA with the idea, they embraced it wholeheartedly, providing the necessary funding to launch the initiative. We are really excited to offer this support to our students and relieve some of their burden.”
Students have donated over 50 meals since the program’s inception, according to a press release.
The initiative will continue to be available through the semester until all funds are exhausted. The university will then evaluate the pilot’s impact and make adjustments as necessary.
Meal swipe donation programs have grown in popularity on college campuses in recent years as a way to make sure students know where their next meal is coming from. Other schools have also launched food pantries as another way to reduce food insecurity among students.