You’ve seen the announcements: starting Feb 28, the Student Food Pantry will only be accepting scannable student ID cards.
The change is directly related to the new Pantry Soft system, which requires cards be scanned at the door and also after check out.
“We’re all learning as we go,” said Alyssa Suarez, a Student Food Pantry General Helper.
Student ID cards are important for more than just shopping at the pantry. The IDs are also Goleman library cards, and can be used to access student services such as access to scholarships, ASDC events, and even holiday dinners. Some local businesses offer discounts for student ID holders as well, according to the official Delta Student ID Card page.
ID cards can be picked up for free at the ASDC Office in Shima 101, the Connect Center on the first floor of the DeRicco building, and on the second floor of the Goleman Library. There’s no appointment needed. Instead, students can simply walk in and request an ID, and after posing for a quick picture, the ID is handed over within minutes. If the ID is lost or needs to be replaced, it’s a $5 charge.
“There’s really no reason why students should not have a student ID card,” Valerie Valera, the Student Programs Assistant at the Food Pantry. “It’s so we know they’re currently enrolled.”
Last year, the Food Pantry faced challenges like overworked staff, long lines and high demand.
“We used to manually verify if they’re [students] currently enrolled,” Valera said.
Valera also said that these manual checks were time consuming in the previous system, and because of this were often only done at the beginning of the year.
Students mistyping or forgetting their numbers also contributed to the lengthy wait times at the door.
This strained the system and threw the report numbers, which meant the pantry often had to buy food from Second Harvest foodbanks, simply to fill the shelves.
The pantry faces more challenges this summer, including internet connectivity.
“It works great, when the internet is working,” Valera said.
There are plans to hardwire all of the pantry’s computers to ensure constant internet connection. The pantry will also be meeting with software support in the near future, for Pantry Soft training.
“We’re hopeful for the future that it’s [the process] more smoother and quicker,” said Valera.
Outside the pantry, students in line had mixed views.
Jordan Brown, a Delta student said, “I get a new ID when I have to,” because classes this semester which the student had taken did not require book rentals or the library. Old IDs are scannable but will eventually need to be replaced with the new cards when they expire.
“It was convenient,” said student Mahwn Sultan, who had recently received the new ID. “I think it’s helpful everywhere in the college, like if you go to the pantry. It’s helpful for any of the opportunities at the college. It’s better to have a student ID.”
The new IDs don’t change a lot in student habits, but the IDs will open access to more services at Delta college with fewer steps in the future.
The Food Pantry staff just want students to remember one thing: Don’t forget your ID!
