Cats’ Cupboard provides food and personal hygiene items to students, faculty and staff at Kansas State at no cost to them. Recently, Harvesters awarded Cats’ Cupboard a $10,000 grant, allowing them to purchase two refrigerators.
Shelly Williams, Morrison family director of Cats’ Cupboard, said she knows the refrigerators will allow Cats’ Cupboard to hold more nutritious products.
“We offer such a variety of shelf-stable products,” Williams said. “[The refrigerators] will allow us to provide fresh produce, dairy, eggs, meat, things like that, that can really increase the nutritional value of our guests’ meals.”
Kelsey Sutton, Cats’ Cupboard employee and sophomore in psychology, said having more options will help people expand their diet.
“Getting something fresh might entice more people to have something different for dinner,” Sutton said.
Williams said she is looking at local sources to help provide fresh food for the cupboard.
“We have a lot of different directions that we are looking at to bring in products, but I am really hoping to focus on the produce side,” Williams said. “So, I am looking at local sources of fresh food and vegetables, local sources of meat or dairy even. I love to help promote that local culture that Manhattan is so rich in.”
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Yslam Akmyradov, Cats’ Cupboard volunteer and senior in entrepreneurship and organizational management, said he believes having fridges at Cats’ Cupboard is necessary to eliminate waste.
“Having fridges will help products last longer and let people enjoy fresh food,” Akmyradov said.
Williams said she encourages anyone and everyone in the K-State community to take advantage of the benefits at Cats’ Cupboard.
“It is a benefit open to all students, staff and faculty of Kansas State, just for being a K-State Wildcat,” Williams said. “There is no limit to the amount of times you can come in a day, in a week, in a semester. All of your products that you will get through here are free, which enables you to spend those finances on other items that you need during your time here at K-State. So come visit us — we have friendly staff, and we would love to see you.”
Cats’ Cupboard is located in Fairchild Hall with operating hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Questions on how to donate food can be directed to the Cats’ Cupboard email.
