Those late-night or between-class snack runs just got a little easier. Captains now have an on-campus spot to grab essentials, day or night, with the opening of The HELM (Healthy Essentials Living Market).
Located on the ground floor of the David Student Union (DSU) and accessible by an outside door, the HELM is a “frictionless” store that is cashless, checkout-free, and open at any hour for any member of the campus community. After 8 p.m., students and staff need to use their campus ID to swipe in.
“This is perfect for commuters like me because I don’t have a dining hall pass, and I don’t want to waste gas and time driving to a convenience store just to get food. Stopping into the HELM will be so much easier.” Jaidyn Masha, ‘30 Nursing.
“Now when I’m studying in the library at night, and it hits me that I need something to keep me going, I don’t have to walk all the way over to Harris Teeter,” said Isla Ford, ‘30 Business.
The HELM was inspired by a request from President William G. Kelly, who wanted to explore how to provide access to affordably priced essentials for students right on campus.
“President Kelly’s vision was to keep our students safe while meeting their needs at all hours of the day,” said Taryn Boone, executive director of Auxiliary Services. “We know students stay up late studying, or sometimes want to grab a protein bar on their way to class instead of a full breakfast, so we’re filling the shelves and freezers with snacks and items they would want that are different from what we currently provide on campus.”
Boone said students helped create the inventory list for the store.
“Students wanted a variety of both fun and filling foods. President Kelly wanted the technology and 24/7 access. All of those things are now in full alignment,” Boone said.
President Kelly cut the ribbon and treated the first 10 students in line to a free snack. Sophia Trinidad, along with a couple of her friends, scored some free ice cream.
“I love that this store is now open. My classes this semester don’t sync up well with dining hall hours, but now I can grab something quickly, like a snack or an energy drink, and head to class,” said Trinidad, ‘30 Psychology.
President Kelly says he expects to be a frequent HELM customer.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who made this new addition to campus possible,” he said at the grand opening. “It’s an opportunity to provide our students with a safe and accessible spot late at night, especially when we are closer to finals, to be able to grab what you need or want right on campus. I look forward to coming over, swiping in, and maybe getting some iced tea for Mrs. Kelly and probably a bag of M&Ms for myself.”
To enter the HELM, simply tap a credit card or use Captains Cash through the Transact Mobile Ordering app. A $25 hold will be placed on your card and purchases will be deducted automatically. Any remaining balance will be returned to the customer’s account typically within hours, and a receipt will be emailed. Once items are selected, the customer can leave and their payment will be charged accordingly.
“Frictionless shopping is a unique concept,” said Anthony Burns, ‘30 Political Science. “ I hope more places adopt this type of technology.”
In addition to the HELM, Regs 2 Go, also located at the DSU, is now open Monday through Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 and offers hot foods as well as pre-packed salads.