She makes sure no Tar Heel goes hungry

Kennedy Williams loves helping patrons get the food and supplies they need at the Carolina Cupboard, UNC-Chapel Hill’s student-run community food pantry, open to students, faculty and staff.

But the Carolina Cupboard president sees the food pantry’s true impact in what happens after patrons walk out the doors of its SASB North location.

“Students being able to focus on school, not worrying about where the next meal is coming from,” said Williams ’25, a Johnston scholar and Honors Carolina student from Greensboro. “Staff members being able to spend more time with their family, not deciding how they’re going to put the next meal on the table.”

As she approaches the end of her senior year, Williams is still working hard behind a cause she’s championed since she was a sophomore: “No Tar Heel should go hungry,” she said.

‘Of service to others’

Williams learned about Carolina Cupboard at SmallFest in the Pit two years ago. Talking with volunteers, she became impressed by the pantry’s work and started volunteering weekly.

As a sophomore navigating some difficult classes and changing majors, she found purpose with Carolina Cupboard and appreciated the routine she built.

“The one thing I stayed very consistent with was the pantry,” said Williams, an exercise and sport science major with an education minor. “I think that was just such a great experience being able to come and give back and be of service to others.”

She became passionate about addressing food insecurity, formed relationships with patrons and learned what went into the operation.

“I was like, ‘You know what? I think I want to be a little more involved,’” Williams said.

She took on more responsibilities, becoming co-manager of donations and volunteers as a junior then president as a senior.

The leadership roles meant learning to work well with others and coordinating everything from volunteer assignments and inventory to managing donations from alumni, community members and University departments. She also helps plan food drives, like the annual Pantry Bowl.

In other words, she does whatever it takes “to make sure that the pantry can stay open,” Williams said.

She’s most proud of the pantry’s accessibility. The Cupboard is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, during the semester. Williams and her colleagues also schedule personalized appointments with patrons if those times don’t work.

The shelves remain stocked with nonperishable goods and the freezer and refrigerator with frozen meals, dairy and fruit. Other items like hygiene products and school supplies are also available. The Cupboard even shares recipes and has a “Bites on a Budget” Instagram series.

According to Williams, patrons made 800-plus visits this school year as of mid-April.

“The pantry is making an impact,” she said. “My team is really helping to reach people in the Carolina community.”

What’s ahead

Williams came to Carolina with plans to become a nurse. She’s worked at UNC Hospitals as a nursing assistant in the postpartum unit but has pivoted and is now planning a teaching career.

She’s taken teaching exams and will apply for a license so she can start looking for jobs. “The biggest thing for me is always to address a need,” Williams said.

She’s holding onto her experience with the Cupboard as her next chapter approaches. She now considers herself a “team player who can also lead,” the type of person needed in the classroom.

“The Cupboard has really taught me that,” Williams said. “I think it makes me a lot more confident stepping into education.”