This November, there are many ways for Tar Heels to fight food security on campus as we strive to ensure that no Tar Heel goes hungry. Learn about various ways to get involved this holiday season:
- Pantry Bowl — Join in Carolina’s effort to beat NC State University in this year’s fifth annual Pantry Bowl, which runs through Nov. 30.
- Ramsgiving — Join Carolina Dining Services (CDS) for its tenth annual Ramsgiving celebration, a holiday feast with a service opportunity to serve those in our community.
- The Pit — Stop by the Pit on Monday, Nov. 17 to learn about registered student organizations that are fighting food security as part of the broad Carolina Food Pantry Network.
- From Monday, Nov. 17 until Thursday, Nov. 20, Tar Heels with a CDS meal plan can donate a meal swipe through the inaugural Meals with Heels effort through the GET mobile app.
- To mark what would have been former Student Body President Eve Carson’s 40th birthday on Nov. 19, donate nonperishables at bins located at the Campus Y building. Students are also invited to the Campus Y building on November 19 to package meal kits, which will be distributed to nonprofits.
This work builds on a broad network of programs addressing student food insecurity year-round. Carolina Dining Services and campus partners provide:
- $10,000 in annual food insecurity grants for campus organizations such as Carolina Cupboard and CJ’s Cupboard.
- Nine free-forage Edible Campus gardens open to all students.
- Monthly farm stands that sell affordable, locally sourced produce and reinvests proceeds into food security projects.
- Regular donations of fresh produce and prepared food to local nonprofits like the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service.
- Emergency meals plans and basic needs support through the Dean of Students office.
These efforts are complemented by outreach through the Hello Heels app, which alerts students to free food, pantry restocks, and events such as Ramsgiving and the Pantry Bowl.
Together, these initiatives create a comprehensive approach to tackling food insecurity — combining peer generosity, community partnerships and University resources to support students’ well-being and success.