Despite campus limiting operations, Cat’s Cupboard is still working to serve those in need.
Sarah Hoyt, Cats’ Cupboard operations lead, said the cupboard will continue to run despite the loss of student volunteers.
“Cats’ Cupboard has always been staffed by K-State employees,” Hoyt said. “However, due to the departure of many students, we have had to modify our operations to accommodate the needs that remain on our campus. None of our undergraduate employees or volunteers are working in the pantry at this time.”
While many services and events had to be canceled or closed due to the pandemic, essential services like food pantries have found new ways to help the community and also keep their workers safe.
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Cats’ Cupboard shifts to online ordering as university mandates ‘limited operations’
Cats’ Cupboard will use an online order system to continue to fulfil orders once a week, while maintaining social distancing, Hoyt said.
“Because we recognize the need to continue to serve the students and employees who remain in the community, we worked quickly to set up an online order system,” Hoyt said. “Our physical space in 009 Fairchild Hall is closed, but Cats’ Cupboard visitors who were already using the pantry this semester are able to place an online order.”
The cupboard will be unable to fill orders for new visitors at this time, a K-State Today announcement said. However, past visitors can fill out the online form to continue to use the service.
“This is completely different than our normal operations, but it allows us to get needed resources to the people that need it,” Hoyt said. “In addition, when working in Cats’ Cupboard, staff maintain social distancing, have increased hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer and unpack boxes of groceries while wearing gloves.”
