Introduction
The San Diego City College Basic Needs Center has introduced a Health and Wellness Vending Machine located in room M-200. This initiative, part of a state pilot program, aims to provide students with easier access to essential wellness products at reduced prices.
What Does the Machine Offer?
The vending machine offers a range of products, including free menstrual items like pads and tampons, supplementing those available in restrooms. Other items such as emergency contraception, condoms, lube, Advil, and Tylenol are available at discounted rates.
Why Was This Initiative Started?
Nydia Dominguez, the Basic Needs coordinator, emphasized the importance of affordability for students facing financial challenges. She stated, “Accessing wellness products shouldn’t be one of them.” The initiative was made possible after the state legislature passed AB 2482, creating a pilot program for community colleges.
Funding and Support
The program is funded by a $15,000 grant from the California Community College Chancellor, with $5,000 allocated for the machine and $10,000 for product subsidies. The vending machine was developed by Dotstash, with CEO Mona Powell personally overseeing its setup.
Educational Opportunities
The machine features a touch screen that provides information on product usage, offering educational opportunities. Franchesca Rankin, City College CalFresh Technician, hopes it will enhance consumer awareness and autonomy among students.
Impact on Students
Rankin expressed excitement about the potential impact, stating, “I’m really interested to see how the information piece of it might spread and how, on an individual level, it will impact students.”
Conclusion
This vending machine represents a significant step towards improving student wellness and education at San Diego City College. For more information, visit the full article.
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