JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Nursing started a food pantry for students.
Dr. Marilyn Harrington, associate professor of nursing and assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, is leading the effort with help from first-year nursing student Katelynn Gipson.
“Our hearts go out to students who are trying to make ends meet while pursuing a nursing degree,” Harrington said. “Even a small increase in the cost of groceries can have a big impact on the budgets of students.”
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The pantry, housed in the School of Nursing near the building’s side entrance, includes a variety of canned foods, crackers and cereals as well as cleaning products and personal hygiene items.
Gipson and Harrington take inventory weekly to see what’s been donated and what items are needed. This will help them learn what’s most needed by student nurses, as well as staff and faculty members facing emergencies.