Last week, Cats’ Cupboard had its busiest week since opening in September of last year, as 96 people received food from the pantry, 26 more than the average 70.
Erin Bishop, food pantry coordinator, said this is because students are moving in, getting settled and also because awareness of Cats’ Cupboard is growing.
“We’ve been here almost a year now, which is the magic time for people starting to really know you exist,” Bishop said.
Located in the basement of Fairchild Hall, the purpose of the pantry is a retention effort to help students stay in school. Since opening, the Cupboard had about 2,050 users, amounting to 450 unique students.
Monday was the pantry’s busiest day when 35 people went to the Cupboard.
While a few of the shelves are a little scarce due to the busyness, Bishop made clear that there is still enough food available for students who need it and does want anyone to think they shouldn’t come out of fear of preventing a more in-need individual from collecting food.
Meanwhile, the pantry is waiting for donations to fully replenish their stock.
“We have some donation drives we’re waiting on,” Bishop said. “[From] fraternities, we are doing a ‘fill the Cupboard’ event with family day in September [and] we are hosting an open cupboard in October. So that’s really our goal right now and to encourage folks that want to donate to utilize our various methods of donation.”
Donations can be made online by the Cats’ Cupboard Amazon wish list, on their foundation account and in person in Fairchild 009.
