Pantry in the Pandemic: FUEL NKU

Northern Kentucky University's campus food pantry, FUEL NKU, has been supplying hungry students with donations since 2013. Even with a global pandemic, the pantry remains open.

FUEL, Feeding the University and Enriching Lives. FUEL was created in the Spring of 2013 by social work students as a way to address campus hunger. This on-campus food pantry is run by students, for students. They provide access to FREE fresh produce, refrigerated, frozen and non-perishable items and toiletries to ALL NKU students. According to the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, there are nearly 700,000 Kentuckians who struggle with hunger everyday. That's 1 in 7 adults in Kentucky that lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy lifestyle.

"Our vision is to empower students by providing a safe, welcoming and confidential community center with campus nutritional services, case management services, and community engagement activities"- FUEL NKU

As many of us have seen, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for families to get the resources they need. FUEL NKU is still providing a helping hand their students during this crisis. While remaining within the CDC guidelines they are providing pre-packaged emergency bags for hungry students. These bags are packed with essential nonperishable items like granola bars, canned tuna or chicken, ramen, fruits, veggies, juice, and even some toilet paper. The FUEL NKU instagram page posted this quote recently from Princess Diana,

"Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves"

FUEL NKU is an example of how our community is staying positive and lending a helping hand in this time of chaos. If you'd like to learn how you can help. Visit their website:

https://inside.nku.edu/fuelnku/waystogive.html

By: Teresa Urban, Senior