With more than 41% of college students experiencing food insecurity, Duquesne’s School of Nursing creates a mini food pantry in Fisher Hall to help support their students—the next generation of nurses.
With more than 41% of college students experiencing food insecurity, the faculty at Duquesne’s School of Nursing decided to act and create a mini food pantry in Fisher Hall to help support their students—the next generation of nurses.
Spearheaded by Amber Kolesar, instructor and director of the School’s Second Degree BSN program, the pantry combines her passion for helping others along with her doctoral research on food insecurity.
“Students who experience food insecurity are more likely to struggle academically,” Kolesar said. “I have been active with food insecurity efforts for years, and creating a mini food is the perfect way to help our students meet their basic needs.”
Beginning in 2022, an old news box that was turned into a mini food pantry by Kolesar’s husband, quickly took shape. It is now stocked with food and other supplies several times a week. Students are free to take what they need and it is completely anonymous.
The mini pantry is only the first step, but it is not a long-term solution. Kolesar also enlisted the help of fellow School of Nursing colleague, Dr. Kate Deluca, assistant dean of the School’s office of student and alumni affairs. Together, they connect many students with numerous resources across campus and in the community.
“When faculty, staff, students and alumni work together, we can bring light to issues like food insecurity to help all of our students thrive,” said Deluca.
Get involved during this holiday season and throughout the year by donating items or money to the School of Nursing Mini Food Pantry to help keep it stocked. To help, please email%20Amber%20Kolesar.
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