Using smart food locker technology is an innovative and promising approach to addressing food insecurity in Arkansas, according to researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institute for Community Health Innovation.
Food insecurity, defined as the limited or uncertain access to enough nutritious food, continues to affect communities across Arkansas at high rates. In 2023, nearly 19% of households experienced food insecurity, significantly exceeding the national average of 13.5%.
Many families rely on food pantries and other charitable food organizations to meet their needs and supplement their grocery budget. However, households experiencing food insecurity often face additional barriers to accessing these resources, including stigma associated with receiving food assistance, transportation challenges, work and childcare obligations, and limited pantry hours.
To address these challenges, UAMS researchers partnered with a faith-based food pantry in Fayetteville to pilot a smart food locker system. This emerging technology provides a secure, temperature-controlled locker compartment that allows individuals to order groceries online and pick them up at their convenience.
“This innovative approach to addressing food insecurity is about meeting people where they are,” said Pearl McElfish, PhD, director of the Institute for Community Health Innovation. “By creating access points outside the typical 9 to 5, we can remove barriers like limited pantry hours and stigma and improve access to healthy food.”
Participants of the pilot program used the smart locker system to order a variety of foods, including fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and culturally relevant items tailored to the community. With 24/7 access, families were able to pick up food at times that fit their schedule.
To learn more about the institute’s initiatives to improve nutrition and advance Food is Medicine approaches in Arkansas, visit communityhealth.uams.edu.