By Evan Bentley
What began as a modest initiative in the former Brockton Apartments has grown into a vital resource for Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students facing food insecurity. This November, the Colonel’s Cupboard celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of providing food assistance and raising awareness about hunger on the Campus Beautiful. Now housed in the Powell Student Center, the pantry serves all members of the EKU community.
Food insecurity remains a significant issue for college students nationwide. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that 23%, or 3.8 million, college students experienced food insecurity in 2020. Many faced very low food security, skipping meals or not eating enough.
“Students cannot succeed in the classroom if their basic needs aren’t met,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The Colonel’s Cupboard is a vital resource that eases the burden of food insecurity, allowing students to focus on their education. At EKU, we are committed to supporting the whole student, ensuring they have the tools and resources to achieve their goals.”
An anniversary celebration was held on Nov. 15 outside the Student Life and First-Year Experience Office in the Powell Building. The event aimed to highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity, which affects a significant portion of EKU students.
“This is my second year working with the Cupboard, and it’s incredible to see how much it’s grown,” said Rihs Stover, Colonel’s Cupboard education specialist. “Starting in a closet and expanding into this space over the past 10 years shows how much the program has developed. We’re still growing, and that’s something to be proud of.”
The anniversary also launched a fundraising goal of $10,000 to commemorate the milestone and support ongoing operations. Donations will help purchase food, replenish supplies and upgrade the pantry, including acquiring a large freezer for perishable items. The pantry currently spends over $1,000 monthly to restock essentials.
“We’re always looking to improve, and with this donation goal, we’ll be able to continue providing high-quality food for students,” said Stover. “We’ve recently expanded to offer more frozen foods, and these funds will help us keep up with the growing demand.”
Students appreciate the pantry’s welcoming environment. Morgan Regier, a student employee at the Colonel’s Cupboard, said, “It’s for everyone, and it’s about making sure no one goes without the essentials. I want students to know it’s OK to ask for help if they need it.”
In addition to food assistance, the pantry accepts donations of non-perishable and perishable items as well as clothing through the “Colonel’s Closet” initiative, which offers free clothing to students. Volunteers can also contribute by completing community service hours, a popular option for students involved in Greek Life or required to complete service hours for class.
“Nearly half of the students at EKU are food insecure,” said Stover. “The more people who know about the Cupboard, the more we can help. This celebration is a step in that direction, but we need everyone on campus to spread the word and encourage their peers to use this resource.”
Visit the Colonel’s Cupboard website for more information, including how to donate or volunteer.