Proudly Servicing Canadian Customers
Today, most Canadian universities have a food bank on campus. An estimated 40 per cent of post-secondary students face food insecurity, and universities are looking for creative ways to address the need.
At the University of Waterloo, the Food Assistance Program is run by the Waterloo University Student Association (WUSA). The program distributes between 500 and 700 food and hygiene hampers each year, says WUSA Director of Student Engagement, Brendan Lowther. “Our numbers actually went up during the pandemic,” he says. “Our hamper program was still operating, even when the campus was closed.”
The Challenge
The volunteer-run program allows students to choose from 6 pre-packaged hampers (meat, vegetarian, halal, kosher, hygiene and menstrual) or to request a custom hamper. After submitting a request online, students are directed to pick up their hamper at one of a handful of locations around campus.
“Our current distribution methods rely on face-to-face interaction,” says Lowther. “We know that many people would prefer a more anonymous way to access our food assistance program.” In addition, current pick-up locations may not be convenient for people studying or working at all hours across a large campus.
The Solution
After extensive research, WUSA determined that Snaile automated lockers offer a convenient, flexible, and contactless way for hungry students to access the food they need.
“They address concerns of anonymity within our student community, and encourage agency,” says Lowther. “It was also important for us to work with a Canadian company, and Snaile was very responsive and understanding of our needs.”
With Snaile, students can go online, request a hamper, and select their preferred pick-up location. Once the unperishable food or hygiene hamper has been dropped off in the secure digital locker, the intended recipient receives a text or email notifying them of the delivery, along with a unique authentication code that can be used to retrieve the hamper, anytime, 24 / 7.
The Results
Snaile automated lockers are a welcome addition to traditional in-person food hamper distribution methods.
Located in three locations across campus, with plans to add a fourth, the automated lockers allow students to easily and discreetly pick up their hamper without making a special trip across campus.
“With Snaile, students are able to choose the most accessible option for them,” Lowther says.
To find out more about how Snaile automated lockers can help with your food distribution program, contact….
The Snaile project is part of our initiative to empower students to access food assistance on their own terms.”
– Brendan Lowther, WUSA Director of Student Engagement, Campus Life
"We have the Snaile lockers installed in my building. Love them!"
"The 1Valet and Snaile solution has changed how resident deliveries enter this building. ensures the seamless operation of the building for its residents. We have recorded zero incidents of theft and never see parcels or delivery cards lying around. This really is the way of the future"
"The lockers (Snaile) have been a welcomed addition by the tenants and delivery companies"
"I appreciate your speedy response to my email about the deleted text with my PIN! Thank you!"
"Our lockers are getting a lot of use, even more so since the pandemic."
"Thank you so much for everything! You (Snaile) are absolutely awesome to deal with"
"I am still receiving the positive feedback from tenants and couriers. Couriers are thrilled with the addition. Especially during this peak delivery season "
"We're very pleased with the new lockers, and getting some good feedback from the tenants. We also like the fact that we are using a Canadian company for this service."
"I was challenged to come up with new and more efficient ways of doing things when it came to accepting inbound and processing outbound packages, after much research, it was a no brainer to go with Snaile. The software is super user friendly and easy to navigate, and the support staff is also very helpful, friendly, and easy to deal with"
"You (Snaile) have been very supportive even though we have so many questions, we really appreciate your help"
"After evaluating parcel locker providers in Canada, Snaile demonstrated to us they have the right solution for the Canadian building industry."
"Collection of the package was flawless. Great system."
"Thank you (Snaile) kindly for all your support; you've been exceptionally efficient and helpful"
"I totally support the system and service. Especially so now, given the new rules with social distancing but also as the demand for home delivery continues to increase. I think Snaile is a valuable service, we all could benefit from it."
"Our Residents Love it!"
"We have had positive feedback from residents that it is a secure way to deposit packages. All packages have been received on a timely basis with no missing packages"
"We love the Snaile system. We currently have it in our 93-unit building in Guelph, Ontario and our 78-unit building in Breslau, Ontario."
"This is our 3rd year now with Snaile Parcel Lockers and it is my pleasure to highly recommend this great system. It is very convenient and secure for our Residents to accept their packages from all carriers even when they are not home. The Snaile parcel delivery system is an excellent business partner."
"Great customer service. Very much enjoy our partnership with Snaile! Julie and Kirstin thank you for your help and assistance through our onboarding process!"
"I used the Snaile Parcel Locker System while I stayed at Monte Kwinter Court Apartments in Toronto. They came in very handy through out the pandemic when purchasing online items. Texts with codes for sent immediately. Very easy to use system!"
"90% of our buildings have Snaile lockers installed in them. I know the CEO very well. We first met when the firm was doing the installation at Monde. I love your product. It makes life so much easier for our staff in terms of parcel management. I look forward to working with the Snaile team."
"We love your product and have it installed in a number of our communities both in BC and Ontario."
"We have two lockers installed now and a third one on its way.
These are better than sliced bread."
