The Jamil Niner Student Pantry at UNC Charlotte provides students with regular access to food and household items and serves up to 350 shoppers a week.

Most common needs, supported through partnerships like the Scouting Food Drive, which takes place on September 21 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. this year, include non-perishable food items like canned beans, canned tuna, canned chicken, dried beans/lentils, peanut butter, jelly, salad dressing, mayonnaise, and ready-to-eat microwavable meals (particularly noodle/rice based meals).

Toiletry items like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, and body wash are also accepted, as are household items such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, hand soap, and laundry detergent (pods preferred). 

All donated items are processed by volunteers and staff of the pantry, stocked on shelves, and used directly by our student shoppers. 

“Shopping at the pantry helps students gain access to food and other basic needs, eliminating some of the stress and financial burden that may hinder their ability to meet these needs on a regular basis, “ said Katie Russo, Associate Director of Student Assistance and Support Services at UNC Charlotte. 

David McKenzie is a local Scouts leader and heads up the annual Scouting Food Drive to benefit the pantry. We caught up with David to learn more about this important annual event. 

What inspired your troop to organize this food drive for the Jamil Niner Food Pantry?

I served on the UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business Alumni Council for three years, which is how I learned of the Jamil Niner Student Pantry. I was still active as a Scout leader and involved in many Scouting food drives for Mecklenburg County. I was curious as to how and where the pantry receives its food donations, and from that inquiry we discussed a new opportunity of food donations from local Scouting units near the campus. That’s how it began.  

Can you share any memorable stories or moments from last year’s food drive that highlight the impact it had on the community?

What stands out the most is the positive reaction from Scouting units and other alumni and friends of Charlotte when asked if they want to participate. Many of our Scouting leaders who are in the Scout units are Charlotte alumni or they have a son or daughter who is currently enrolled. Everyone has been excited to participate and make a difference in the campus community!

Why is it important for the Scouts to be involved in community service, and how does this align with the values of Scouting?

The 3rd tenet of Scout law is “A Scout is helpful.” Community service and community projects like these are something individual Scouts and Scouting units are very familiar with, so this food drive just gives us another opportunity to make a difference in our community.  

What advice would you give to other community groups or individuals who are interested in organizing their own service projects?

It all starts with the question of “How can I help?” From there, form a plan of action, and solicit others who want to help, and then just keep the momentum going. 

What challenges have you faced in organizing the food drive, and how have the Scouts worked together to overcome them?

Scouts are already busy with other Scouting activities and busy with school, sports, and other commitments, so we’ve made this food drive as easy as possible. Bring any food donations a Scouting unit can collect or purchase over in the two-hour window. If that date or time is inconvenient, we can make arrangements for items to be picked and delivered.  

Besides food donations, are there other ways people can support the Jamil Niner Food Pantry or the Scouts’ efforts?

Anyone can make a food donation to the pantry at any time or you can make a financial donation at ninerpantry.charlotte.edu. Thank you!

Scouting Food Drive at UNC Charlotte’s Jamil Niner Student Pantry is on Sept. 21, 2024 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.