Meet Naseeka

"When I think of food insecurity on college campuses, it's heartbreaking," explains Naseeka, a local college student. "Food is something everyone needs, and sometimes we all need a little help."

Naseeka knows what it's like to ask for help. When her younger sister enrolled in college too, it put even more stress on her mother to support both of them single-handedly. "My mom would send me cash when she could," she recalls. "School was my priority, and I was trying to do my best in class."

Her tuition was paid with scholarships and financial aid and her part time job covered rent. However, there were times that she didn't have much to put towards food, gas or emergency expenses, like when her car broke down or when her laptop crashed.

"It just didn't feel right to work so hard to get into college and then not have all the resources to be successful," Naseeka says. Naseeka found the resources and support she needed at the UCF Knights Helping Knights Pantry. All enrolled students at UCF can access the pantry once per day throughout each semester. She found easy access to items like pasta, canned soup, bread and even produce.

“This place is just as important to student success as other resources like the health clinic and the math lab," says Naseeka.

Inspired to get involved like Naseeka? Find ways to help!

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