Opening scheduled for “The Nook”: employee-focused pantry connecting colleagues to needed resources

Some people have a heart for helping others.

Angela Gambrell, compliance analyst for University Compliance and Ethics, is one of those people.

"We started to hear that there were employees experiencing food insecurity," said Gambrell. "Once I heard that, we started having early conversations about the possibility of an employee pantry and how we could make this work."

As these experiences returned to Gambrell and the Compliance and Ethics team, she was accepted into the CU Grow program.

A fundamental part of the program is a required project that tackles a challenge or growth opportunity at the University.

She brought the idea to her supervisor, Tracy Arwood, associate vice president for compliance and ethics, who enthusiastically supported the project.

Nearly a year later, what started as rumblings about a need on campus is now about to become a reality.

Addressing the Need

Feeding America estimates roughly one in seven Pickens County residents is food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as the state of having limited or uncertain access to safe and nutritious food.

The statistic that is harder to capture is how many other individuals are just one financial hardship - say a broken car, or a major home repair - away from being unable to afford adequate food or household supplies.

In 2020, Feeding America estimated that 38 million people lived in food-insecure households. Nearly double that, 60 million, turned to food banks, pantries or other community food programs to feed themselves or their families.

While resources are available locally through local non-profit organizations, many are inaccessible to those with limited transportation or time.

Enter The Nook: Clemson's employee pantry conveniently located on the main campus.

A Safe and Discreet Space

The Nook's location was a happy coincidence.

When Gambrell brought her project to the CU Grow program leads, they let her know two other cohort members were also looking at food insecurity on campus. One of them - Melissa Webb - had been brainstorming the idea of a food pantry for Facilities team members. In doing so, Webb found an available space on campus in a former University Facilities office on Klugh Avenue.

The two are now partnering on the project, along with a committee of individuals from across campus.

"I want to thank the dedicated team that worked tirelessly to bring this pantry to life," said Arwood. "Their commitment and compassion have created a safe and discreet space for employees to access essential food items. We believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and I am honored to be a part of this effort to invest in our collective well-being and create a stronger sense of community by establishing The Nook."

Open House Scheduled for November 21

The Nook is located on Klugh Avenue, next to the Parking and Transportation Services offices. Outdoor signage will direct interested individuals to the space when the facility is officially open.

The Nook committee members will host an open house for campus members on November 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is open to all members of the University community. It will provide faculty and staff with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the location, space and available resources.

Parking for The Nook is available in Lot E-5. Visitors to The Nook may park in the designated Parking and Transportation Services at the back of the lot, near Klugh Avenue.

A Resource for All: Official Opening Set for November 22

The Nook will officially open for business on November 22, 2024, providing employees a place to receive food and household resources at a convenient on-campus location. The Nook will be a compassionate and confidential resource for faculty and staff who may be facing food insecurity or financial hardships.

Once open, the Nook will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If colleagues in need of the Nook's services cannot visit during operating hours, they may email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

The private space will be stocked with non-perishable foods like canned goods and foods, as well as household necessities like cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials.

One of the three guiding principles of the Nook is to "turn no one away." As such, the Nook will be a resource open to all University employees.

Individuals will also be able to pick up items needed for other dependent members of their household.

How Faculty and Staff Can Support the Initiative

Those interested in supporting The Nook can do so through physical donations, monetary donations or volunteer opportunities.

The Nook's website houses a comprehensive list of needed physical donations. This OUR Clemson announcement contains a list of drop boxes for donations around campus. Individuals may also email [email protected] to arrange to host a donation box or pick up donations.

Like the Paw Pantry, The Nook will operate solely on community donations. Those interested in making a monetary donation can do so through this Clemson Giving portal. You may also call the Annual Giving Office (864-656-5896) to make a gift over the phone (ask for the gift be designated for The Nook - B4890). Interested faculty and staff can also make monetary donations through payroll deduction (select "Other: The Nook, B4890").

Individuals interested in learning more about the Nook or supporting the initiative through volunteer opportunities may contact [email protected].

Looking for more information?

Visit The Nook's website for more information about the initiative.

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