Grant to Support Food Insecurity

April 8, 2020

Briar Cliff University was recently awarded a grant from Delta Dental Foundation of Iowa, in an effort to support the food insecurities of students due to COVID-19.

The grant will support the Charger Cupboard, an on-campus food pantry that provides nonperishable foods and personal care items to students in need. Currently, Briar Cliff has roughly 115 students continuing to reside in the dorms during the pandemic. 

“Our students were given the option to determine what was best for their personal health and situation,” says Rachelle Karstens, Briar Cliff University President. “Those remaining on campus may be for an internship or clinicals. It could also be because they’re financially unable to return home, have family members with compromised immune systems or may be more vulnerable to the virus. In some cases, they simply are just unable to travel home due to current restrictions.”

Due to campus facilities being restricted and the majority of faculty, staff, and administrators working remotely; the Charger Cupboard is not accepting merchandise donations at this time based on the COVID-19 guidelines to help mitigate the spread. Funds will be used to support the purchase of nonperishable foods and personal care items for the students on campus.

“We are so appreciative of the support we have received from Delta Dental Foundation of Iowa,” adds Karstens. “This generosity will go a long way in supporting our students who may experience food insecurity or lack the financial ability to purchase food or personal items. We are grateful for the support to continue this essential campus service.”