The University Health Center is currently collecting donations of non-perishable foods and hygiene items at Nick’s Hall until May 5, 2022.
One of the many services that the University Health Center offers to students and staff is free “starter packs” of non-perishable food and hygiene supplies for those in need.
Vanessa Smith, Practice Administrator for the University Health Center, shared how the UHC is in a unique position to serve students and faculty who are struggling to acquire these items.
“We’re known as an access point for Bucky’s Food Pantry,” said Smith.
Students and faculty who may be more hesitant to approach Bucky’s Food Pantry are able to go to the UHC, speak to a nurse and have their needs understood and met through these pre-made starter packs.
According to Smith, these starter packs are often copy-paper boxes filled with non-perishable foods, hygiene items and small cooking utensils. After giving these starter packs, the UHC encourages the students and staff to reach out to Bucky’s Food Pantry for additional help.
Smith said that the UHC usually keeps a good stock of these items on hand, but after a year and a half of the University being closed due to COVID-19, much of their stock has expired and run out.
All items are appreciated, but some suggestions are:
- Snack foods like granola, popcorn, chips, crackers and single-serve fruit cups
- Liquids like juice, coffee, water, tea and broths
- Starches like macaroni & cheese, instant noodles, rice, cereal, oatmeal and pancake mix
- Canned foods like soups, ravioli, vegetables, canned meats and baby foods
- Additional ingredients like sugar, flour, jelly, peanut butter, seasoning packs and spices
- Hygiene products like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving cream and razors
- Additional items like Ziploc bags, diapers, wipes, paper towels, and small pots and pans
All donations can be brought to the UHC office in Nick’s Hall, which is next to the Reese Museum. Donations will be accepted through May 5, 2022.
The UHC offers a wide range of services to students and faculty including general office visits, COVID-19 tests, medication management, and more. For students, the costs of these visits is included in each semester’s “activity fees.” Any additional costs for physicals, tests and lab work are minimal and often covered by insurance.
Students and faculty who would like more information or want to set an appointment with the UHC can contact them by email at universityhealth@etsu.edu, by phone at 423-439-4225 or by visiting their ETSU website.
