On a typical afternoon, the hum of quiet conversation fills the air at FUEL NKU, located inside the Albright Health Center. Shelves overflow with canned goods, fresh produce and hygiene products, neatly arranged as students browse and fill their baskets with items they might otherwise struggle to afford. Volunteers, clad in black NKU t-shirts, restock cereal boxes while another sorts through a fresh shipment of donations. Near the checkout area, a student staff member scans items, greeting each visitor with a warm smile.
While browsing the shelves, Kylie McCulloch, a senior at NKU, picks up a can of soup, scanning the ingredients before placing it back.
“I don’t think people realize how much they actually have here,” she said. “It’s not just canned stuff. There’s fresh fruit, frozen meals, even things like oat milk and gluten-free snacks. I stop by sometimes between classes if I don’t have time for lunch. It’s nice to know I can grab something quick without worrying about it.”
Just beyond the entrance, the muffled sound of a cart rolling across the floor signals the arrival of another delivery. It is a steady rhythm of movement—students in and out, shelves emptied and replenished—a daily cycle ensuring hunger does not stand between students and their education
FUEL NKU began as a small initiative, born from the concerns of Dr. Jessica Taylor, a faculty member who recognized a student’s struggle with hunger. What started as a few snacks available in an office quickly expanded into a dedicated food pantry, gradually growing to meet the evolving needs of the student body.
Over the years, FUEL NKU shifted locations multiple times before settling into its current home at the Albright Health Center, where it now operates as a central resource for students facing food insecurity. Thanks in part to a $100,000 investment from Kroger that helped make the move possible.
The pantry’s presence on campus has only strengthened with time. According to FUEL, the pantry has distributed more than 135,000 pounds of food and hygiene products in the past academic year alone. Of that, 25,000 pounds were distributed during the summer months, when resources can be scarce for students who remain on campus. In total, during the 2023–2024 academic year, 2,000 students visited the pantry, accounting for nearly 20,000 individual visits.
McCulloch has noticed more students turning to FUEL NKU as grocery prices climb.
“A few years ago, I think people saw this as something only a small group of students needed,” she said. “But now? Food prices are ridiculous, and everyone’s feeling it in some way.”
She reaches for a jar of pasta sauce, briefly checking the expiration date before adding it to her basket.
“FUEL makes that decision easier,” McCulloch said. “You don’t have to worry about whether you can afford fresh produce or if you’ll have enough for the week. It takes some of that stress off, and that’s huge when you’re already juggling school, work and everything else.”
For Peg Adams, director of FUEL NKU, the pantry is more than a place to collect food—it’s a carefully coordinated operation requiring strategy, partnerships and adaptability. Initially stepping into the role in 2023, Adams quickly learned that running a food pantry involved much more than she had anticipated.
“I didn’t realize the multitude of community partners, the sustainability efforts, the opportunities for educational experiences for student interns and student visitors,” Adams said. “When I started with FUEL NKU, I immersed myself in the experience—from checking out students to lifting boxes and stocking shelves.”
Under her leadership, the pantry has seen a 30% increase in student traffic, a number that continues to rise. Despite the logistical challenges of high demand and storage limitations, Adams remains focused on the broader mission: ensuring that every student in need has access to food.
At the heart of the pantry’s daily operations is Nick Bliven, the program coordinator. A former NKU student, Bliven joined FUEL NKU as an AmeriCorps member before stepping into his current leadership role.
“My day-to-day responsibilities are never the same,” Bliven said. “I could have a plan in place, but that changes depending on food availability, student needs or unexpected donations.”
Bliven recalled a particularly meaningful moment when a student in Corbin, Ky., attending one of NKU’s online programs, reached out for help. Living in a campground and struggling with food access, the student was too far from campus to visit FUEL NKU in person. Bliven coordinated with an NKU alum traveling home for the holidays, arranging a special food delivery.
“It was a small effort on our part, but it made a world of difference for that student,” he said.
For student worker Ashia Hilliman, FUEL NKU is both a workplace and a cause she deeply connects with. Coming from a background of working with food pantries, she understands the stigma students may feel about seeking assistance.
“People have a lot of preconceived ideas about food pantries—who they’re for, what they look like. But food insecurity can affect anyone, and that’s something we try to address,” Hilliman said. “Our goal is to make sure every student who walks through these doors feels welcome.”
A typical shift for Hilliman involves checking students in, restocking shelves and organizing inventory. On busier days, she helps oversee Produce Pop-Ups, an initiative in partnership with Freestore Foodbank that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to students free of charge.
While FUEL NKU expands, challenges remain. One of the most significant barriers is the stigma surrounding food pantries, which can prevent students from seeking help.
McCulloch remembers feeling hesitant about visiting FUEL at first.
“I think a lot of people assume you have to be in a really bad situation to come here,” she said. “But honestly, food is expensive. Eating out is expensive. If grabbing a couple of things from here makes life easier, why wouldn’t you? That’s what it’s for.”
Staff members work to combat misconceptions, emphasizing that food insecurity looks different for everyone, and no student should hesitate to use the service. Another challenge is managing the increasing demand. With pantry visits significantly up from the previous year, the need for consistent donations and sustainable food sources is greater than ever. Storage space also presents limitations, especially when dealing with fresh produce and perishable goods.
Despite these obstacles, FUEL NKU remains committed to responsible food distribution. Through partnerships with organizations like Henry Hosea House Ministries and Last Mile Food Rescue, the pantry is able to redistribute surplus food efficiently, ensuring that donations reach as many students as possible without going to waste.
Compared to food pantries at other Kentucky universities, FUEL NKU stands out in several ways. Extended operating hours provide students with more flexible access. The grocery store-style model allows students to choose their own items rather than receiving pre-packed bags. A strong emphasis on nutrition and sustainability, including waste reduction efforts and food rescue programs, ensures that students receive both food security and nutritional value.
While universities across the state are working to address food insecurity, FUEL NKU’s approach focuses on both accessibility and dignity, ensuring that students not only receive food but have a sense of control and choice in what they take home.
As demand continues to grow, so do efforts to strengthen FUEL NKU’s resources. The pantry aims to expand partnerships, secure additional funding and explore new ways to meet students’ evolving needs. While the challenges of food insecurity on college campuses persist, FUEL NKU seeks to remain a pillar of support within the NKU community—ensuring that no student must choose between their education and their next meal.