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The statistics on food insecurity among college students are concerning. Studies suggest hunger on campuses negatively impacts graduation rates and affects approximately one-third of all students at colleges and universities.
The University of Houston has accepted the challenge to address this issue. UH’s Cougar Cupboard, supported by the Houston Food Bank, has served as a model campus food pantry, inspiring other institutions of higher education throughout the Houston area and across the country.
The Cupboard is located in University Lofts and provides students with non-perishable groceries, fresh produce, and general necessities such as cleaning supplies and toiletries. Since Hurricane Beryl in July, however, the Cupboard has maintained limited operating hours as food supplies were impacted following Beryl. Presently, the pantry is only open on Fridays but it will resume its regular schedule by the first week of September.
Some within the University community have sought to support students through departmental donation drives to the pantry. Such generosity is indeed welcome, said Kevin Nguyen, associate director of the Center for Student Advocacy and Community and the Cupboard.
According to Nguyen, the Cupboard’s biggest needs are:
- Canned food (preferably pop-top)
- Dry goods – rice, pasta
- Cooking oils (olive oil, vegetable oil)
- Non-perishable meals
- High protein non-perishables (nuts, peanut butter)
Aside from food, Nguyen recommends offering basic kitchen items (especially can openers) to support students in making their own meals.
“The biggest contribution anyone can make is their time,” he said. “It definitely takes a village. People power is how we make the cupboard work. Soon, the Houston Food Bank will begin making regular deliveries, so we will need assistance sorting and stocking items.”
Both new and returning students stand to benefit once the Cupboard returns to its regular schedule with more HFB deliveries arriving consistently. According to Nguyen, it is a great yet often untapped resource for students.
“Many students do not realize that this is available to all of our enrolled Cougars,” he said. “Students simply need to sign up for it no matter how many hours they’re taking.”
Beyond the Cougar Cupboard, students who sign up become part of the Houston Food Bank’s Food for Change Market Program and receive food from other participating pantries throughout the city. This citywide benefit has supported students who have not been able to get regular meals from the Cupboard following Beryl.
Since opening in 2020, the Cupboard has seen thousands of Coogs sign up for its services. Last spring, the pantry relocated to its new location in University Lofts. The move has sparked more activity with more than 7,600 students registering for its services and more than 40,000 visits to the pantry during the spring semester. Likewise, more than 600,000 pounds of food were distributed to Cougars this spring.
The Cougar Cupboard is overseen by the Center for Student Advocacy and Community and complements its mission of helping students remove barriers that impede academic and personal success. When on-campus resources such as the Cupboard may not be enough for a student, CSAC will refer them to resources within the community.
Nguyen recognizes that the Cupboard is just one piece of the center’s commitment to Coogs. While food insecurity may be just one of several challenges faced by students, he is optimistic that the Cupboard can alleviate some anxieties that affect productivity both on and off campus.
“The Cupboard plays an important role at UH,” Nguyen said. “There is a direct correlation between student success and food insecurity. We recognize that alleviating this obstacle is just one piece of the puzzle for our students. But CSAC and The Cupboard are here for our students. We’re very much committed to helping our students remain fed …and focused on their studies and their lives.”