Nourish Nook

College students juggle demanding schedules, academic pressures, and personal responsibilities, often leaving little time for proper meals. The challenge is even greater for commuter students, who don’t have the convenience of a dining hall or a stocked dorm room. Others may face financial hardships that make consistent access to food a daily struggle.   

Nourish Nook at Lipscomb University

The Office of Student Success & Wellbeing is excited to launch a Nourish Nook as an additional resource for commuter students who may be facing food, financial, or time insecurity. The Nourish Nook isn’t just about offering free snacks—it’s about removing barriers that hinder student success.

Research shows that hunger and food insecurity negatively impact concentration, academic performance, and overall well-being. Food-insecure students are more likely to experience stress, have lower GPAs, and struggle with class engagement (Goldrick-Rab et al., 2018; Maroto, Snelling, & Linck, 2015).  

By providing quick, accessible nourishment, we are creating a campus culture of care—one that recognizes food as a basic need, values student well-being, and ensures every student has the fuel they need to thrive. 

Whether it’s a granola bar between classes, a cup of oatmeal before an evening study session, or a protein snack before work, this initiative ensures that no student has to choose between their education and their next meal. 

Students are able to utilize the pantry every two weeks after filling out a brief check-in form and may take up to five items per visit. Students will receive follow-up communication from Student Care staff to inquire if they need additional resources.

Typical items that will be stocked in the Nourish Nook are:

  • Easy microwavable meals
  • Fruit snacks
  • Oatmeal
  • Protein bars
  • Trail mixes
  • Various cracker options

This is more than just snacks—it’s a statement that we see our students, we support them, and we are committed to their success. Students are provided with a feedback survey each time after visiting the Nourish Nook to provide suggested snack options. If you would like to donate items or funds to the Nourish Nook, please reach out to us at SCC [at] lipscomb.edu.