A recent survey revealed that 1 in 4 student respondents at the David Eccles School of Business has experienced food insecurity or lacked access to essential items.

To address this, the Office of Student Engagement & Belonging created the In A Pinch Basic Needs Initiative, which is dedicated to supporting students’ ability to fulfill their fundamental needs, encompassing access to food, housing, funding, mental health, and family resources.

The In a Pinch pantry, located on the first floor of the Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building (Room 1140W), provides free access to non-perishable food, hygiene products, and wellness essentials to help students thrive.

Three months into the fall 2024 semester, In A Pinch has distributed nearly 11,000 items, which is more than were distributed in total last academic year. And some students will remain in need of resources during the coming winter break.

While Cyprus Credit Union and C.R. England have provided generous support — allowing In A Pinch to expand and meet the increased need of students — the initiative is asking for help in restocking the pantry.

Donations will ensure the pantry is fully stocked with essentials such as non-perishable food, laundry detergent, toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste), feminine hygiene products, and cleaning supplies.

Those wishing to contribute can provide support either by making a financial contribution to help restock supplies, or by purchasing items directly from an Amazon Wish List.

Some Eccles School students who have received support via In A Pinch have spoken to the life-changing impact of the program:

• “This initiative has really helped me not have to worry about basic needs like food or personal care items. … There are some times where I either have gas to come to school or dinner, but now I have both! It really helps me focus more on my academics and not on my financial situation.”
• “This pantry is imperative to my student success here and has grown even more important to me as I moved off campus. Food and money are big factors on my mind right now, and this pantry always is stocked and it brightens my day. I truly appreciate this pantry, and being in college is made easier with it.”
• “This place is my only food for the day sometimes. Without it, I would starve. It’s the best.”
• “Receiving support from the pantry means much more than physical sustenance. To me, it is a symbol of the care that the David Eccles School of Business shows its students.”

For more information on the In A Pinch Basic Needs Initiative, please contact Sophie Stout, Associate Director of Student Engagement & Belonging,  Undergraduate Programs, at sophie.stout@eccles.utah.edu.