September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action.
At Clemson – action is everywhere. Groups of dedicated individuals across the University focus on research, projects and initiatives to address hunger nationally and right here in our backyard.
The University is preparing to launch an employee pantry, The Nook, but many resources already exist. Highlighted below are various resources across Clemson to support faculty and staff in need.
EBT Available at On-Campus Markets
The Village Market, located on the first floor of The Hub at Douthit Hills, accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)! EBT is an electronic system allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to pay for food using SNAP benefits. SNAP participants can use EBT cards at the Village Market to purchase things like pasta, sauce, cereals, produce and dairy items.
Employee Emergency Fund
The Employee Emergency Fund assists faculty and staff who may be experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances. All faculty and staff members can apply for a grant from the fund. Donations from other faculty and staff members make up the fund.
Access the Staff Senate website for fund details and application instructions.
Clemson Community Care
Clemson Community Care (CCC) is a local non-profit organization serving individuals in Clemson, Central and Pendleton. CCC works with local religious, civic, educational and private agencies to support low-income families and individuals by helping them overcome periods of financial crisis and become self-sufficient. The organization provides food, utility bill, and rental assistance. They also assist with SNAP applications, homeless support and back-to-school supplies.
CCC is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The organization welcomes walk-ins, but they encourage individuals to arrive before 11 a.m. to be seen that day. Individuals can also make appointments by calling 864-653-4460.
More information about Clemson Community Care is available on the CCC website.
SC211
South Carolina 2-1-1 is a free service connecting South Carolinians to local community agencies that provide assistance. These organizations can provide support with things like utility bills, housing, food and other essentials. The free, confidential service is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing the three-digit number, 2-1-1, from a landline or mobile phone. It is also accessible online at SC211.org or by using the 2-1-1 app.
Coming Soon: The Nook
Recognizing the opportunity to expand the community of care, the University will soon launch an employee pantry: The Nook.
Designed to help faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity or financial hardships, the Nook serves as a place where Clemson employees can feel comfortable getting assistance in a respectful, compassionate and confidential manner. The Nook will contain non-perishable food items, household supplies and hygiene products.
Services at the Nook will be available to all Clemson employees (faculty, staff and students).
The space will be located on the west side of campus off Klugh Avenue near the Parking and Transportation Services office. By its opening, the location of The Nook will be clearly marked with signs.
Slated to open in November 2024, more information regarding the Nook, including operating hours, available resources and how to access services, will be released in the coming weeks.
Like the Paw Pantry, The Nook will operate solely on community donations. Those interested in making a monetary donation can give through Clemson Forever. This Clemson Giving portal allows individuals to make a gift online. You may also call the Annual Giving Office (864-656-5896) to make a gift over the phone (ask the gift be designated for The Nook – B4890). Interested faculty and staff can also make monetary donations through payroll deduction via Clemson Forever (select “Other: The Nook, B4890”).
Those interested in making physical donations or hosting a food drive should monitor OUR Clemson for more details in October.
In the meantime, individuals interested in learning more about the Nook or supporting the initiative through volunteer opportunities may reach out to thenook@clemson.edu.