Fighting food insecurity at UC

In a survey conducted at UC, 18.8% of students reported that missing meals has negatively impacted their academic performance.

On Sept. 2, the Bearcat family will come together to bring this reality to light and highlight the ways that individuals can work to reduce this number. Occurring annually on the first Friday in September, National Food Bank Day encourages contributions supporting the belief that no one should go to bed hungry or lacking basic resources. At the University of Cincinnati, that safe space is the Bearcats Pantry and Resource Center.

Hear UC students talk about the importance of having an on-campus pantry.

The BCP and Resource Center provides free, fresh and shelf-stable food; hygiene items; and household goods to those in need. They also offer the Career Closet which provides students with professional clothing along with meal vouchers that can be used at campus dining halls. Students can receive To-Go Bags which can be conveniently picked up at locations across campus and the BCP Connections works with students to connect them into other campus and community resources.

It’s clear that the BCP and Resource Center is a vital aspect of UC. UC student Elizabeth was first introduced to the pantry during a class field trip. She quickly realized this would be her ticket to continuing her education.

“I needed a way to put more food on the table while attending school full-time” says Elizabeth. “I had a part-time job which kept the bills paid but I never had money for enough food. I often questioned where my next meal would come from. Without the BCP and Resource Center I would have been forced to drop out of UC. The students and staff I met there offered me so much support.” 

The university offers pantry locations at Clifton Campus, UC Clermont, and UC Blue Ash, making it accessible to every student. Your financial contributions will make the difference whether students like Elizabeth can meet their basic needs so that they can focus on their academic work and earning a degree. Stand with us today — there will always be another student who needs this resource.

Clifton Campus Pantry: Contact the BCP and Resource Center or call 513-556-3780.
UC Clermont Pantry: Contact Jennifer.Radt@uc.edu
UC Blue Ash Pantry: Contact ucbafoodpantry@ucmail.uc.edu or call 513-558-9496.

Featured image at top: The shelves at the Bearcats Pantry are stocked thanks to generous donations. Photo/provided.