Client Success Story
Kennesaw State University Increases Return Rates to 96%
Kennesaw State University (KSU) launched Fill it Forward’s Borrow program as part of its Takeout Club, with the hope of improving return rates at its dining halls. Passionate about sustainability and maintaining an environmentally friendly campus, discovering an inventory management tool that tracks the impact of each reuse was an obvious choice for KSU.
This innovative program allows all KSU meal plan holders to take food to-go from multiple dining halls using reusable containers. Each time a student rents a container, it is tracked using the Fill it Forward app. Their administration has access to an online inventory management system where they can monitor engagement and calculate the collective environmental impact of their program.
Fill it Forward has been a game changer for our operations! We have seen a significant increase in box return rates and there has been lots of positive feedback from students since our launch. The students enjoy the convenience of using the mobile app and the fact they can see in real time the impact their participation in the program has on the environment. The Fill it Forward team has been a pleasure to work with, they are always enthusiastic and quick to help when questions arise. The streamlined process of this program and customer service has made for an incredibly successful and stress-free experience. We can’t wait to continue our partnership!
Katelyn Boyd,
Meal Plan Operations Manager,
University Dining
KSU recognized that launching a new program in their dining halls required a collaborative approach, and Fill it Forward was there to assist every step of the way. After officially partnering with Fill it Forward in November 2023, KSU received support through a comprehensive onboarding call and two process demo calls with their entire dining staff. KSU further enhanced the process by providing onsite, in-person training to all their staff.
KSU’s unique approach to onboarding students into the program significantly impacted its success. Each student was required to visit Katelyn in the Meal Plan office for a one-on-one onboarding session, where they received their first container and an in-depth overview of the Fill it Forward app.
Additionally, KSU has created effective support resources for its staff and students participating in the program, including a “How it Works” video.
Since launching the program, KSU’s students have diverted over 9,750 single-use food container items from our landfills and oceans. In addition, KSU’s dining staff have seen a tremendous increase in their reusable container return rates, now at an all-time high of 96%. In the Fill it Forward app, users can see their personal and collective impact at any time within the Kennesaw State University’s Private Group, which aligns with their Takeout Clubs branding and communication strategy.
Kennesaw State University is a shining example of a campus committed to helping people and the planet. Its successful implementation of Fill it Forward’s Borrow program is a great starting point for any school looking to make a difference on campus and inspire positive change.
