FUEL NKU hosted its monthly pop-up event inside the Student Union on March 25 and 26, offering free groceries and snacks for students, faculty and staff.
Wednesday marked the second day of the event, which ran from 9-3 p.m. and provided fresh produce like potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, onions, apples and bananas, along with pantry staples like boxed muffins and gum.
Over the course of two days, the pop-up saw more than 800 visitors, with students making up the majority. Unlike the main pantry location in the Albright Health Center, attendees didn’t have to swipe an ALL CARD. They could simply stop by and take what they needed.
The pop-up was especially busy around noon, as students left classes and stopped by on their way to lunch.
Quick snacks like apples, bananas and muffins were particularly popular for those with only a few minutes between lectures. Some student workers from the Student Union food court restaurants also took advantage of the event, grabbing items during breaks since the pop-up was just a few steps away. With FUEL NKU’s main location closing at 4 p.m., employees with later shifts found this event a more convenient way to pick up essentials.
For many students, the pop-up provided much-needed relief from grocery costs. Isha Sharma, a senior from Nepal, shared how resources like FUEL NKU help students who live alone.
“It takes the pressure off having to always stock up on basics like potatoes or spaghetti sauce,” Sharma said. “Having it right in the Student Union made it super convenient for me to grab items. What stood out to me was the variety of resources they had available, especially considering the focus on student well-being—there were lots of vegetables and healthy snacks.”
Other students stumbled upon the event by chance. Ceana Crompton, a second-year majoring in human resources and Japanese, described the experience as welcoming and nostalgic.
“My first impression of the pop-up was like a local farmer’s market. The people were warm, friendly and very interactive,” Crompton said. “I didn’t hear about it beforehand, but I noticed it as I was walking into the Student Union.”
She was also surprised by some of the available items.
“I was not expecting to see Sour Patch Kids,” she added. “It was cool to have something new that FUEL doesn’t typically carry.”
The event also introduced FUEL NKU to students who had never heard of it before. Steven Grothaus, a master’s student in public administration, said he was shocked when he realized everything was free.
“I figured there’d be some kind of limit or requirement, but they just told me to take whatever I needed,” Grothaus said. “It’s a great resource that I wish I’d known about sooner.”
The pop-up was staffed by FUEL NKU employees and volunteers, ensuring that students had a smooth experience while picking out their items.
For some, the pop-up was a reminder of campus resources, sparking conversation about food access and student needs. Others used the chance to learn more about FUEL NKU’s main pantry and its services.
With another event planned for next month, the initiative continues to expand access to fresh food and pantry staples, making it easier for students and staff to get the resources they need.