Flagship Programs
Learn more about what resources are available to you through Pack Essentials.
Bike Program
Pack Essentials partners with Raleigh Community Kickstand to provide free, gently used bicycles to students who need reliable transportation. Throughout the academic year, Raleigh Community Kickstand donates bikes to help students get to class, work, and other essential destinations.
Visit the common Pack Essentials application to apply. (Please note: You will be redirected to MyPack Portal and will be required to log in using your Shibboleth login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the Pack Essentials link on the left hand side.)
Cookware Kit Program
Pack Essentials offers a free cookware borrowing program to help students access kitchen essentials. Our collection includes new and gently used items such as baking sheets, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, rice cookers, colanders, and more.
Visit the common Pack Essentials application to apply. (Please note: You will be redirected to MyPack Portal and will be required to log in using your Shibboleth login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the Pack Essentials link on the left hand side.)
Diaper Program
Pack Essentials partners with Diaper Train to provide diapers to members of the NC State community. Eligible students, faculty, and staff can apply each month to receive a set of free diapers, helping families access essential supplies while navigating all that life brings.
Visit the common Pack Essentials application to apply. (Please note: You will be redirected to MyPack Portal and will be required to log in using your Shibboleth login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the Pack Essentials link on the left hand side.)
Feed the Pack Food Pantry
Located in North Residence Hall, the Feed the Pack Food Pantry stocks food, household, and hygiene items. Feed the Pack is free for students, faculty, and staff. Please complete our intake form and bring your NC State ID with you when you come to the pantry.
Meal Plan Scholarship
Full and partial meal plan scholarships may be available to students who are experiencing difficulty paying for a semester’s plan. Meal plan scholarships are reserved for first-year students who are required to purchase a meal plan. These meal plan scholarships are need based, subject to financial aid considerations and provided by donors.
Visit the common Pack Essentials application to apply. (Please note: You will be redirected to MyPack Portal and will be required to log in using your Shibboleth login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the Pack Essentials link on the left hand side.)
Meal Share
Student Government, NC State Dining, and the Student Ombuds partnered to create a student-to-student meal sharing program for students experiencing short-term food insecurity. Students can receive donated guest meals from student meal plans, which are added directly to their student ID card and provide discreet access to meals at no cost.
Visit the common Pack Essentials application to apply. (Please note: You will be redirected to MyPack Portal and will be required to log in using your Shibboleth login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the Pack Essentials link on the left hand side.)
Path Forward Cohort Program
The Pack Essentials Path Forward Cohort helps NC State students build financial confidence, connect with campus resources, and develop skills to support their long-term success. Offered during both the Fall and Spring semesters, the cohort brings students together through financial literacy activities, campus partnerships, and community building. Participants gain practical tools to navigate financial challenges and work toward their personal goals.
To learn more about the Path Forward Cohort and upcoming opportunities, email [email protected].
Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund was established by the Division of Academic and Student Affairs to help ensure that NC State students have access to the resources they need to successfully recover from unexpected financial crises. The goal of these funds is to prevent one small emergency or unexpected expense from derailing a student’s progress towards their degree. The fund is made possible from generous donors committed to helping students in need achieve their goal of graduating from NC State. The lists below are not exhaustive and other needs may be eligible to receive emergency funds.
Minimum Qualification Review
- The student is currently enrolled and has started at least one semester at NC State;
- The student has been verified as eligible for emergency funding by Financial Aid (i.e. the student has not exceeded their maximum award and does not have additional financial aid resources available);
- The student’s financial need is likely to have a direct impact on the student’s academic success or retention at the university;
- The student’s need for financial assistance is not a result of student’s own actions;
- The student has demonstrated a good faith effort to explore other funding options (e.g. insurance, free or low-cost services readily available, relatives).
Priority Needs
- Emergency housing expenses
- Essential utilities (e.g. electricity, gas, water)
- Food
- Safety and security needs (example: changing locks, moving costs, travel to court)
- Prescription and other costs related to medical or mental health care and their associated travel costs
- A student has not previously received financial assistance through this fund
- Financial needs arising from an unexpected emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident
Other Needs Covered
- Costs related to health and wellness, not covered by insurance
- Replacing essential personal belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
- Other financial needs arising from individual and special circumstances to be determined on a case by case basis
Needs Not Covered
- Academic supplies (books, technology, etc. not included in tuition and fees)
- Tuition and student fees
- Health insurance
- Study abroad costs
- Non-essential utilities (cable TV, subscriptions, etc.)
- Household furniture unrelated to damage or theft
- Costs of entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel
- Legal counsel and fees
- Parking permits, fees, and tickets
(Please note: You will be redirected to MyPack Portal and will be required to log in using your Shibboleth login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the Pack Essentials link on the left hand side.)