Community Change

Challenged to solve an issue around food insecurity our team created a website for The Bodega, SMC's Food Pantry, to generate greater accessibility and awareness of food resources on campus for students who are suffering from food insecurity. The Bodega is a centralized food pantry, where currently enrolled students are welcome to come by and choose from a selection of non-perishable food items, fresh produce, Everytable meals, toiletries, and clothing items. It's evolved from a drive through pantry to a community food market. The best part about the market is it's FREE and AVAILABLE TO ALL SMC STUDENTS. Read this case study to see how our group participated in helping our own SMC student community access food resources that are available to them.

with 54% experiencing this challenge. Despite having valuable resources like the Bodega, social stigmas and a lack of awareness hinder students from utilizing these essential services. The pandemic has exacerbated this problem, making it crucial to address.

Role:
UX Research
Design Strategist
User Interface Design
Problem:

Santa Monica College (SMC) faces a prevalent issue of food insecurity among its students.
Despite having valuable resources like the Bodega which offers free food, social stigmas and a lack of awareness hinder students from utilizing these essential services. The pandemic has exacerbated this problem, making it crucial to address.

Designers:
Miranda White
Jonathan
Chrissy
Jiashi
Insights:

• Awareness: when the dream team visited campus we noticed there's one sign on campus to help direct students to The Bodega.
• 54% percent of students suffered from food insecurity.
• Social stigmas are often associated with food security programs.

Timeframe:
3 Months
Solutions:

Created a website for SMC's Food Pantry to generate greater accessibility and awareness of food resources on campus for students who are suffering from food insecurity. Our proposed solution is The Bodega website, an accessible digital platform providing students with comprehensive information about available resources. This includes concise information on other food security programs at SMC, and a signup form for student volunteers. The website aims to eliminate social stigmas, foster community engagement, and the opportunity to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Through this website, we aspire to enhance awareness, increase volunteer participation, and ultimately address food insecurity more effectively at SMC.

How might people directly help those in their own community who are without means to eat healthful meals?