It’s safe to say when people are hungry, they turn to their fridge or kitchen cupboard to find something to eat.
After a long study session, students need brain food to continue to focus on their studies and nourish their bodies. Some open the cupboard door and nothing is there. The initial response could be that they need to go grocery shopping. But what happens when they cannot afford the basic essentials to ensure they don’t go hungry?
This problematic scenario is a reality for some South Dakota State University students. That is why Jack’s Cupboard was created.
Jack’s Cupboard is an on-campus food pantry, which students can access with a simple swipe of a student ID.
Located inside Ben Reifel Hall, this resource is open two days a week. Students can come once each day it is open and take seven to eight items. Soup, pasta, cereal, canned foods are available as are shampoo, body wash, toilet paper and even diapers. Inventory depends on donations.
“What’s expensive out there are condiments or spices … we also accept toiletries because they are another example of things that are expensive for students. Shampoo goes so fast, it’s amazing,†said Chris Kaberline, associate director of residential life.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Grace Manning, Mariah Reil, Jennifer McLaughlin,
Becky Jensen, Amanda Husted and Courtney Cameron
“We knew students were in need of food,†Kaberline said. Kas Williams, chief diversity officer, Jennifer McLaughlin, sustainability specialist, and Kaberline started Jack’s Cupboard.
Williams used to keep nonperishable food items in the Office of Multicultural Affairs for students. She and Kaberline began the conversation of what they could do to help food insecurity on campus. They involved McLaughlin, who operates the Food Recovery Network.
The Food Recovery Network works with Aramark to freeze leftover food from catering events to create prepared meals students can take home and reheat. The organization planned to complete three to four food recoveries per month during the spring semester.
Students who have extra flex dollars or block meals can also donate those to Jack’s Cupboard so those in need have a discreet way of getting a good meal. At the end of the fall semester, Jack’s Cupboard received 250 block meal donations to give to those in need.
Those looking to donate can give nonperishable items to the Department of Residential Life in Caldwell Hall during office hours or to the University Police Department 24 hours a day. Monetary donations to Jack’s Cupboard can be made at Card Services. Currently, Jack’s Cupboard runs on donated food and donated space thanks to residential life. Not only do students who may need food benefit, but so do students who run the organization.
Amanda Husted, a junior human development and family studies major, volunteers at Jack’s Cupboard. She said the coolest part about the organization is the students who come together to support it.
“We are here for you, we support you. If this is something we can do to help reduce some of your worry or your financial concerns, then it seems like it is the least we can do,†said Husted.
– Heidi Kronaizl
