Husky Harvest Waterbury has announced several developments aimed at improving food access and supporting the well-being of UConn students, faculty, and staff. These advancements include refrigerated lockers for convenient grocery pick-up, expanded hydroponic growing systems for on-site food production, and a newly revamped food pantry designed to better support healthy eating.
One of the new innovations at Husky Harvest Waterbury is the installation of refrigerated lockers, making it the first Connecticut Foodshare partner to offer this technology. These lockers allow students, faculty, and staff to pick up fresh groceries for their families at their convenience. Located near the campus parking garage with easy access to the main road, the lockers provide a discreet, private option for picking up perishable items like dairy, meat, and fresh produce.
Hydroponics
Husky Harvest Waterbury has expanded its food production with hydroponics—a sustainable, soil-free farming method, that it started in 2023. With recent funding, Husky Harvest Waterbury has added additional systems. These systems allow it to grow a variety of fresh, nutritious crops—such as leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables—right on campus, year-round. Hydroponics enables Husky Harvest Waterbury to provide fresh, local produce while reducing environmental impact.
Transforming the pantry
In addition to the hydroponic systems and refrigerated lockers, the company has also revamped the layout and design of its food pantry. This transformation was intended to create a more welcoming and user-friendly space that encourages healthy food choices.
Source: University of Connecticut