Green Gown Awards 2014 - Food and Drink - South Devon College - Finalist

FUNDamental Food – Smart use of bursary funds

South Devon College has developed/written its own in house system that allows it to link its learner database (EBS) to the system and scan learners ID cards at a point in its catering outlets. From this electronic recognition it is then able to provide a substantial meal to its learners.

Through regular/ongoing feedback, the College has ensured that its offering appeals to its learners. From this, the College has also seen a reduction of food wastage.

The College is now able to, at the click of a button, identify and provide evidence to its funding bodies which learners have taken lunches and at what time.

The system can actually set dates/time parameters for which learners are able to take their meals between.

The College has since expanded this system to incorporate free college meals available from September with the aim to further enhance this with the introduction of the Raspberry Pi low voltage PC.

Top 3 learnings

1 We have seen the benefit of providing this service to our dis-engaged learners and have seen an improvement in concentration, application and attendance.
2 Communication between departments has been a key factor in the success of the project.
3 It has enhanced the importance of the catering service that we provide, and the positive effect that this has on our learners.

Videos

• FUNDamental Food – Smart use of bursary funds (click to hide)