UNC-Chapel Hill and its friends at North Carolina State University are gearing up for the sixth annual Pantry Bowl, a competitive fundraiser that fights student food insecurity at both universities.
In the month leading up to the rivalry football game on Nov. 28, the Tar Heel and Wolfpack communities will have a chance to make donations and help their school win the friendly competition that strengthens food pantry resources.
About one in three Carolina students faces food insecurity. UNC-Chapel Hill has a network of food pantries, programs and partnerships that strive to ensure no member of the Carolina community goes without a nutritious meal.
Several of these initiatives, including the Carolina Pantry Network and a new Pantry Pack Program, are housed within UNC-Chapel Hill’s Division of Student Success. To prepare for the competition this November, we spoke with Jonathan Sauls, Carolina’s senior associate vice chancellor of student success and administration.
What’s been the impact of this annual fundraiser?
Over the last five years, we’ve seen tremendous support for our Pantry Bowl — a healthy rivalry between Carolina and NC State. Last year, our community raised more than $150,000, which translates to more than 100 tons of food. To put it in perspective, that’s enough food to feed a full Kenan Stadium.
What resources are available to Carolina students, faculty and staff through the Carolina Pantry Network and Pantry Pack programs?
There is an abundance of resources available to Tar Heels. We’re glad to offer a robust Carolina Pantry Network with food pantries across campus that meet different needs and for anyone with a PID. The Carolina Cupboard, led by students in collaboration with our Dean of Students office, just reopened in its new location on the first floor of SASB North. Students are encouraged to check it out and make a connection. This year, we’re also piloting a program called “Pantry Pack,” which is an easy way to grab ready-to-eat food in both Davis Library and Hamilton Hall. It’s supported by grant funds from the Student Dining Board. These are just two examples of the way we strive to take care of our community.
Where does support for pantries within the Carolina Pantry Network come from? Why is donor support needed?
Simply put — this work wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support. When we think about students and their basic needs, food is at the top of the list. Food security promotes learning. When no Tar Heel goes hungry, we all are in a position to thrive. We want each Tar Heel to have a student experience that promotes learning and leadership, and giving to our basic needs network is essential to that mission.
How can students, faculty and staff get involved with Pantry Bowl?
We’re delighted to bring back a campuswide food donation drive this year during the month of November. Importantly, food security tends to get a lot of attention during this month, but it’s an issue that needs sustained financial support. I encourage folks to check out pantrybowl.com, where faculty, staff and students can support this work; every dollar and gift counts. Gifts from Nov. 5-30 will count toward our friendly competition with NC State.
What other programming does the Division of Student Success offer to support student well-being and ensure their basic needs are met all year long?
Over the last few years, we’ve launched the Carolina Pantry Network and hired a basic needs lead, Haley Hamblin-Dold. As part of her work in the Dean of Students office, we’re able to support student health and well-being by making sure students get connected to resources they need, including food and in other material ways. The Dean of Students office also manages a student emergency fund, provides case management support and fosters student development. We’re hopeful this work will continue to make a difference.