FDTC expands Stinger’s Nest Food Pantry through Carolina Cupboard Project
Florence-Darlington Tech (FDTC) has relocated its Stinger’s Nest to a larger, more accessible space with support from participants of The Riley Institute at Furman University through its Carolina Cupboard Project, an initiative focused on developing sustainable food access across the technical college system in South Carolina. FDTC was selected as the pilot institution for the Carolina Cupboard Project.
“Ensuring student success takes many forms,” FDTC Interim President Dr. Debbie Cheek said. “At Florence-Darlington Tech, we work diligently to remove barriers to access and eliminate obstacles that can prevent our students from reaching their full potential. Food insecurity is one of those barriers, it can affect a student’s ability to perform academically and ultimately impact their path to graduation.”
Developed through The Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative, the Carolina Cupboard Project brings together leaders from across South Carolina to address meaningful issues facing the state. Through collaborative leadership and community partnerships, the initiative seeks to develop practical, lasting solutions to food insecurity among college students. By working with FDTC, the project team hopes to develop a model that can serve as a blueprint for other technical colleges across South Carolina.
“The Carolina Cupboard group knew that we would learn a great deal while creating this project, developing partnerships and working with the FDTC Educational Foundation and Student Services staff to better understand food insecurity on campus and how to meet the needs of students,” said Belle Zeigler, Executive Director of Eastern Carolina Community Foundation. “With that knowledge, we hope to build a model that others will replicate.”
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for college students nationwide. According to Swipe Out Hunger, an estimated two in five college students experience food insecurity. Research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has also found that students from food-insecure households are significantly less likely to complete college.
Recognizing the connection between basic needs and academic achievement, FDTC continues to seek ways to make essential resources more accessible to students.
Previously housed in a small room away from major student traffic, the Stinger’s Nest has moved to a larger, more visible location across from the Student Advising Center. The new space is designed to make the pantry easier to access, increase awareness of available resources and provide a more welcoming environment for students seeking assistance.
“We are incredibly grateful that this group of alumni of The Riley Institute shares our commitment to student success and has chosen to support our current and future Stingers through this generous donation,” Dr. Cheek said.
Members of the Carolina Cupboard Project team include Lauren Griggs, Ershela Sims, Yamekia Robinson, Vicki Singleton, Scotty Davis, Austin McVay, Jacob Born and Belle Zeigler.
Financial contributions supporting the project were provided by Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, Duke Energy, United Community Bank, SBLTV (Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, LLC), and Food Lion Feeds. In-kind contributions were provided by Lowe’s of Hartsville, individual team members, and SBLTV.
For more information about Florence-Darlington Technical College and its commitment to student success, visit FDTC.edu.