Support the Pacer Pantry this GivingTuesday

November 28, 2022
Giving Tuesday graphic

Did you know North Carolina is the 10th hungriest state, with nearly 600,000 households lacking enough to eat? The Pacer Pantry works to meet this need for WPU students.

This GivingTuesday, we need your help to support this vital campus resource.

Rows of food line the shelves of the Pacer Pantry, a place where WPU students can pick up free food.
Rows of food line the shelves of the Pacer Pantry, a place where WPU students can pick up free food.

GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity created in 2012 to encourage people to do good, seeks to celebrate generosity and give people the opportunity to show kindness and share what they have with those in need.

The Pacer Pantry provides non-perishable foods and personal care items for students at no charge. From quick microwavable meals to canned goods to shampoo and conditioner, the Pantry anonymously provides products for an average of five students a week.

“I have seen firsthand what an amazing difference our Pacer Pantry makes in the lives of our students. It warms my heart to see how we’re like a family here at WPU; everyone truly cares about the students and helps in whatever way they can to stock the Pacer Pantry,” said Wellness Center Director Jill Gattone, RN, M.Ed. “Now more than ever, food pantries need our support and our help. No student should ever go hungry.”

Food insecurity can have substantial negative impacts on mental health. In fact, during the pandemic, it created a 200% higher risk of anxiety and depression, according to a study by BMC Public Health.

“If students aren’t able to eat properly or consistently, it is a huge stress,” said Wellness Center Coordinator Jenna Rea. “Pacer Pantry provides mental stability.”

How to Donate
You can support the Pacer Pantry in three ways:

  • Online Giving: Financial gifts can be given online at peace.edu/give and by designating the gift to Pacer Pantry.
  • Amazon: Buy donations for the Pacer through their Amazon Registry.
  • Physical Donations: Donations of non-perishable food and new toiletry items can be dropped off at the Wellness Center, located in the Joyner House, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A donation bin is located on the porch of the Joyner House. If you are interested in dropping off a large donation, please email HealthServices@peace.edu.

P.S. Be sure to use our AmazonSmile Account if you buy your donation on Amazon! By using this link, you can support WPU through your everyday purchases. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to WPU.