When Grace Osborne, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, noticed peers struggling to access basic necessities, she decided to act. Through her involvement with Pitt’s Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Osborne was initially interested in supplying Narcan to the school. As she explored that idea further, the conversation expanded to include other ways to support students’ day-to-day needs.
"I started by thinking about overdose prevention and Narcan access," Osborne said. "That opened the door to a bigger conversation about what students might need to feel supported."
With guidance from Renee Valenti, the school’s director of educational programs and accreditation initiatives, and Adrianna Gradisek, experiential learning specialist, the idea took shape as a resource locker, a discreet space where students and others in need could access food, hygiene products and self-care items anytime.
"We thought, why not create a place where students could take what they need without having to ask anyone?" Osborne said.
Valenti helped identify a convenient, semi-private location in the Public Health Building and advised on accessibility.
"We wanted it to be easy for students to access but also feel private and safe," Valenti said.
The resource locker was inspired by Prevention at Pitt’s resource locker for sexual assault survivors, which provided a model for creating a supportive, private space.
Two cabinets were stocked, one with food items such as ramen, protein bars, canned goods and peanut butter, and the other with hygiene and self-care items including feminine products, hygiene kits, blankets, scarves and small encouragement cards. The locker operates on an honor system and is open to students, faculty and staff. Volunteers help pack kits, organize donations and maintain a welcoming space.
"Sometimes what students need most isn’t a meal, it’s a little encouragement or a self-care item. That matters for overall health too," Gradisek said.
The initiative addresses real challenges in Oakland, a neighborhood with limited grocery options and high prices, where off-campus students often struggle to find affordable healthy food. The locker provides an immediate, practical solution while fostering a sense of community support among the school’s public health community.
Students stock and organize items, creating a cycle of giving that directly benefits peers. Blankets are packed, hygiene kits assembled and safe-sex kits prepared, all by students for students.
"This is a way for students to serve each other, not just outside organizations," Gradisek said. "It strengthens the community we are living in right now."
Winter prompted the team to expand offerings to include scarves, hats and gloves. Drawers are labeled for easier navigation, and videos and signage are planned to guide newcomers. The goal is a practical, organized and welcoming area.
The initiative has already sparked interest. Students have eagerly volunteered and faculty are considering contributions. Osborne hopes the locker will continue to grow, supported by donations and engagement from the wider Pitt community.
"It’s about giving and taking what you need, and building a supportive community," Osborne said.
Located on the ground floor of the Public Health Building in the Sustainability Room, G31, the resource locker welcomes contributions of non-perishable food, hygiene products, self-care items and winter essentials. Donations may be dropped off at the School of Public Health, Room 1100, or placed directly in the resource locker.
-Clare Collins
