A new resource on Mercer University’s Atlanta campus aims to alleviate a barrier that some students may face amid their academic journeys. The Bear Necessities pantry, which opened in early October, is stocked with nonperishable foods, personal care products and household items for students in need.
Cindy Strowbridge, assistant dean of students in Atlanta, said the pantry is something the campus has wanted to implement for years. Faculty and staff members often ask her about resources for students in need, and those requests have increased this year, especially with changes to federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and long wait lists at other pantries.
“As faculty and staff, we see our students encounter so many stressors in school — both internal and external to the environment,” said Dr. Daniel Dale, physical therapy clinical associate professor and assistant director of clinical education in the College of Health Professions. “Food insecurity is one that we encounter quite often; however, students may be reluctant to share this or ask for help for a myriad of different reasons. By providing this secure, private resource to students, we feel that we can hopefully help alleviate some of the stress regarding food insecurity.”
Bear Necessities, located in Duvall Hall, offers nonperishables such as canned goods, grains and pasta, snacks and beverages; personal care items such as soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products and dental products; and household items such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry and dish soap, and cleaning supplies.
The pantry is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays, except during University holidays. Students in need can visit once a week and take 10-15 items at a time, Strowbridge said. The service is confidential, but those who use it are asked to check in using a QR code so that pantry use and inventory can be tracked.
“It is an open door; no questions asked. It’s an honor system, and we’re a community of trust, so we expect everyone to use the space responsibly,” Strowbridge said. “We’ve seen a good number of students come through that have checked in and have taken some things. I think it’s definitely much needed, and we hope it will allow our students to continue on their academic pursuits and not worry where their next meal is coming from.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Student Affairs Office or in collection boxes in the Administration and Conference Center, Davis Hall, Swilley Library, Sheffield Center and Toby’s and by making arrangements with Strowbridge at strowbridge_cl@mercer.edu. In the future, Strowbridge plans to create an Amazon online storefront where people can purchase items for the pantry, and she hopes to arrange for Mercer colleges and departments to sponsor donations for a month.
“We’re fortunate that the entire Mercer community has been so supportive and wanted to help out,” Strowbridge said.
For instance, physical therapy students — led by the Engagement and Collegiality Committee — held a donation drive earlier this semester to help stock the pantry before its launch, Dr. Dale said. Angelise Young, a Class of 2027 physical therapy student, said the pantry “bridges the gap between food security and true accessibility.” She and her classmates quickly stepped up to support their peers who may be in need, especially during the holidays and finals.
“This pantry provides students who need an extra hand with access to necessities that many of us are fortunate to have,” said Mariah Goodloe, a Class of 2027 physical therapy student. “Graduate school is already challenging enough, and having support like this can make a real difference in a student’s well-being and ability to focus on their education. I’m proud to be part of a community that recognizes these needs and takes steps to support one another.”
Mercer’s College of Nursing on the Atlanta campus has maintained a food pantry for its students since 2001. Now, the college is shifting gears to support the Bear Necessities project, said Dr. Macy Mosher, clinical assistant nursing professor.
“Between food insecurities and students leaving their home without a lunch, we wanted to offer the pantry as a source and resource of nourishment, comfort and caring,” said Dr. Linda Streit, nursing professor.
Other pantries
Some of Mercer’s other campuses operate similar assistance initiatives. Started in 2023, the School of Medicine’s Bear Cub-Board Pantry is open to students, faculty and staff in need on the Macon, Columbus and Savannah campuses, with plans to add Valdosta. Medical students primarily run the pantries, with input from a committee that also includes faculty and staff.
“The pantry helps ensure that students in need have access to quick snacks on campus or staples to prepare meals at home,” said Kim Meeks, School of Medicine director of student wellness. “Students, faculty, staff are free to go to the pantry and get whatever they need. They don’t have to let us know.”
The pantries are stocked with meal staples such as pasta, rice, beans, soups and instant mashed potatoes as well as snack items. They are located in the Skelton Medical Library on the Macon campus and in the building common areas in Columbus and Savannah. Donations can be made at these locations or by contacting Meeks at meeks_k@mercer.edu.
Mercer Law School also launched a food pantry in 2023, in collaboration with the Mercer Student Bar Association. Nonperishable foods, personal care items and pet food are available from the Counselor’s Cupboard, which is located on the first floor and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Donations can be dropped off in the dean’s suite or at the pantry.
“Supporting our students’ basic needs isn’t just an initiative; it reflects who we are as a community,” said Jeannie Zipperer, assistant dean of students for the law school. “When we remove barriers to wellness, we create the conditions for every student to thrive academically and personally. We rely on the honor system, trusting our community to follow a simple guiding promise: Take what you need when you need it, and give back when you can.”
