We want to restructure our delivery program to include refrigerated parcel lockers. Many grocery stores and businesses are now using parcel lockers to meet the needs of the customer better. Why shouldn't a food bank utilize this innovative technology and service to remove access barriers to food for our clients?

A parcel locker in strategic locations allows for:

• Efficiency. If we could deliver to one location versus many, we could redirect those volunteers or staff time driving to various places for other food bank businesses.
  • Note: we would still deliver to home bound households. However, reducing the number of deliveries would increase our overall efficiency.
• Food Safety. Because the lockers are refrigerated, food would remain at the USDA recommended temperatures for cold items. In addition, the food would be in a secure location, compared to left on the front porch of a household if no one were home.
• Convenience. Clients could access the lockers at their convenience, critical for those that work during the day, homeless, or have limited access to transportation.
• Security / ADA Compliance. The lockers are secure, have camera capability to ensure pickup, and are ADA compliant. There are many times where clients find their food missing, volunteers deliver to incorrect locations, etc. Having a secure site ensures the food gets to the households in need.