Food Pantry Inventory Access

Presenter

Sophia Cosette Bloom

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Deborah Keisch, Department of Civic Engagement & Service-Learning, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C4, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 1 (C1-C10) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Food pantries often have inconsistent and unreliable inventory access. Having robust inventory systems can help safeguard against fluctuations in inventory ordering and demand. My project centers around improving the inventory system of the Amherst Survival Center (ASC). The main goals are to improve the information available for ordering, avoid having inventory expire, and making the system more user-friendly for volunteers. This involves changing the organizational system in the basement, where inventory is stored, and making signage clearer for how inventory should move through the system. I will also be simplifying the inventory software and making entries easier. Finally, I will explore having the online inventory system update automatically for estimated inventory leaving ASC. Outside of the inventory system itself, ASC consistently has shortages of certain inventory categories. They are frequently lacking hygiene items and as such, I will be holding a hygiene item drive to add to the inventory. These actions will hopefully improve the ease of functioning in the inventory system for ASC staff members and create a more consistent, robust experience for community members.

Keywords

food security, access, food pantry, inventory

Research Area

Public Health and Epidemiology

SIMILAR ABSTRACTS (BY KEYWORD)