Newly imagined Nourish Market aims to fight food insecurity

August 29, 2024

Market provides free food, supplies to those on campus who need it

Food is essential to life. It doesn't just sustain the body, food is central to social gatherings and cultural identity. It's nourishment for the mind, body and soul. These ideas went into the renaming and rebranding of the former Campus Pantry, launched at Campbell University in 2023 with the intent of providing free food and food supplies for members of the Campbell community who might be experiencing food insecurity.

Now the Nourish Market, the newly reimagined and renovated area inside the Wallace Student Center was celebrated on Aug. 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a cooking demonstration from Campbell First Lady Kathy Creed, who made her famous taco soup for the ceremony.

The new name was chosen to shed the negativity surrounding the former name, according to Morgan Pajak, associate campus minister and director for community engagement. The former Pantry wasn't being utilized as often as it could have been in its first year, Pajak said, and part of the reason might have been the perceived stigma of what some students see as a "handout."

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"There are resources on this campus that students have access to and utilize all the time. Our writing center. Disability services. Financial aid, to name a few," Pajak said. "But when it comes to food, I think a lot of people are hesitant to ask for help. Some feel strange about taking something when there's someone else out there who might need it more. But the reality is we have students and employees here who have jobs or go to school full time and have stable housing who might just need a little extra help every now and then. That's what we're here for."

In addition to providing free groceries, donated by members of the community and local businesses and organizations, Nourish Market also provides information on proper nutrition and cooking demonstrations and will host events to promote community throughout the year.

Shoppers only need a Campbell ID to access the market, which is open Mondays through Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. Those wanting to donate to the Market can do so by accessing its Amazon Wish List.

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Nourish Market is run by the Office of Spiritual Life, and Pajak said the store is an extension of Campbell's Christian mission to serve those who are in need.

"This space gives us the opportunity to do that and nourish our community as well," she said. "Food is such a basic need, and if you're not paying attention to the physical ways of how you're taking care of yourself, it impacts the rest of your well-being as well. When you're full, you know you're full. And once you're able to pay attention to that within yourself, it lends to the desire to make an impact on those around you."

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