An empty stomach and lack of sleep from working three jobs should not be the reason our students and future nurse leaders struggle in a course or on an important exam. When the College of Nursing’s Office of Access, Belonging and Community Engagement learned of students struggling with needs of food, hygiene products, and clothing, their office looked for ways to reduce these barriers for vulnerable students.  Dr. Coretta Jenerette worked in collaboration with student services and community partner, Brookland Baptist Church, to establish the College of Nursing Carolina Cares Cupboard.

“The Carolina Cares Cupboard initiative is important because it reflects our  commitment to caring and providing resources to support the success of our students,” Jenerette says.

Through faculty and staff donations and a food drive at Brookland Baptist Church, the Cupboard opened to College of Nursing students at the beginning of the fall semester. A need-based nursing student is able to fill out a confidential form available online as well as in the ABC office to access a variety of items that support their essential everyday needs.

“These resources support students so they can focus on academics, and this enhances their potential for success,” Jenerette says.

The Office of Access, Belonging and Community Engagement hopes to expand the Cupboard and offer unique resources for students in need.

The Cupboard currently offers the following essentials:

• Canned Fruit
• Canned Vegetables
• Pasta
• Rice
• Potatoes
• Proteins
• Breakfast items
• Toiletries
• Need based monetary scholarships