A Year of Growth for The CUpboard

The CUpboard is continuing strong and beginning its second year in its own space across from the dining hall. The number of shoppers has increased since its first opening last school year. It is continuing to provide essential resources such as food and hygiene products to members of the Clarke community who experience any type of need or insecurity whether it be food insecurity or a lack of resources such as hygiene products.

Stocked shelves in the CUpboard room

Since its opening in the fall of 2024, the CUpboard has seen some beneficial changes as it continues to cater to the needs of the students, faculty, and staff of Clarke University. This school year, Samantha Hicks has taken on the role of Student Support Coordinator where she oversees the pantry and coordinates with outside organizations that provide resources to stock the shelves. Jaycee Page, Clarke MSW student and Student Support Graduate Assistant, plays a large role in the day-to-day operations of the CUpboard. She can be found working at the check-in desk during shopping hours.

Much like last year, the pantry continues to receive support from Clarke but is 100% financially funded by outside grants and donations. In addition to buying amenities every other week from St. Stephen’s Food Bank through a contracted partnership, last year the pantry started a new partnership with Panera. Every week, Panera generously donated leftover food to the CUpboard making a great addition to the pantry. The CUpboard hopes to renew their partnership this year as they continue to try and customize the amenities to the needs of its users.

The CUpboard has also expanded its exposure beyond Clarke University, having officially become a campus partner of the national Swipe Out Hunger network. This network is linked to multiple food pantries on college campuses that provide opportunities for funding and applying for grants. The organization gives insight into student needs and resources for best practices and tool kits to help colleges better provide for their students. Organizers of the CUpboard also have the opportunity to take part in monthly online meetings with other institutions that are a part of Swipe Out Hunger to discuss tips and tricks to help improve their pantries.

The last academic year, the CUpboard provided a total of 20,000 pounds of food and personal items, which helped to serve 325 individuals and a total of 2,521 visits. This academic year, the pantry hopes to plan more fundraisers and work with the Mission and Core Values Committee to highlight the CUpboard’s work during Founder’s Day. These efforts will be to encourage more donations to keep the pantry adequately stocked for the remainder of the school year.