Overview
Across higher education institutions, catered events, meetings, and dining services frequently generate surplus food that goes to waste. At the same time, many students face food insecurity, impacting their wellbeing, focus, and academic success.
Touchwork’s MarketIT solution closes this gap by enabling campuses to quickly connect surplus food with students who need it most.
The Challenge
Universities are facing a dual challenge:
- Food waste: Large volumes of high-quality, untouched food are discarded after events
- Student need: Many students face financial constraints that limit their ability to consistently access nutritious meals
This disconnect creates both a sustainability issue and a student wellbeing concern.
The Solution: MarketIT
MarketIT is a real-time communication tool that makes redistributing surplus food simple, fast, and scalable.
How it works:
- Students opt in to receive SMS notifications (or are added by staff)
- Event or dining teams send an alert when surplus food is available
- They describe the type of food and time period it will be available for
- Students collect meals from the event or a specified location using to-go boxes or personal containers
The process is quick to implement, requires minimal staff effort, and ensures students can access food discreetly.
Impact and Outcome
Reduced food waste
Food is redirected to students instead of being discarded, helping campuses cut waste and improve resource efficiency.
Improved student support
Students gain timely, stigma-free access to nutritious meals, supporting wellbeing and academic performance.
Enhanced sustainability efforts
Institutions strengthen their sustainability initiatives by making better use of existing resources, without additional infrastructure.
Stronger campus culture
Campuses foster a culture of care, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
Why It Matters
MarketIT turns a persistent campus challenge into a meaningful opportunity – ensuring good food nourishes students instead of going to waste.
It’s a simple, scalable solution that delivers real impact across sustainability, student support, and institutional values.
Reach out to us for further information or to book your personalized demo.
