SBA implements pantry to address food insecurity among students

As part of our larger purpose to support students and their wellbeing, Mercer Law School and SBA implemented the Counselor’s Cupboard, a 24/7 food pantry program to address food insecurity among law students. Located in room 125 on the first floor of the Law School, the pantry’s purpose is to supply students access to healthy food when they need it most. The Law School Office of Student Affairs manages the pantry by accepting food donations, tracking inventory, and restocking shelves. The grab-and-go pantry is based on an honor system – take what you need when you need it and give back when you can. To maintain anonymity, users are not tracked, but the busiest times are at the end of the month, the end of the term, and during exams.

The idea for the pantry began in 2022 when Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Antonio Squire recognized that with increasing food, fuel, and other costs, students sometimes have to make tough choices. “Food insecurity combined with other stressors can create barriers to student success. It’s an issue that goes under-recognized and under-studied in higher education. We know that with the pandemic and subsequent inflation, an increasing number of students experience food insecurity.”

Donations of prepackaged and unexpired goods can come to the Dean’s Suite or be dropped off in the bins in the Cupboard. Pet food (individual cans and small bags), personal care items (deodorant, toothpaste, soap…), and school supplies are also welcome.

The Law School thanks the committed team that includes 2022-2023 SBA President Katherine Twomey, Antonio Squire and Marilyn Sutton from the Office of Admissions, Jeannie Zipperer from the Office of Student Affairs, and Najiva Timothee from the Dean’s Suite for the a motivation and devotion dedicated to this worthy project.