By Kera Flynn
The Colonel’s Cupboard at Eastern Kentucky University provides a variety of resources to students who face food insecurity or financial distress, as part of the university’s commitment to ensuring students have what they need to succeed.
According to Swipe Out Hunger, one in three college students struggle with food insecurity. A food security forum was held at EKU on Friday, March 24, to share information about the issue and explore innovative strategies to overcome it.
The Office of Student Life and First-Year Experience started the Colonel’s Cupboard in 2014 as a way to address food insecurity needs on EKU’s campus at no cost to students.
“We offer food, toiletry and clothing to any and all EKU students," said Madelynne Banderman, Colonel's Cupboard education and client services specialist. She expressed that the Colonel’s Cupboard also contains a wide selection of items ranging from canned food, eggs, toothbrushes, sanitary items, and clothing.
The Colonel’s Cupboard moved from the Commonwealth Building to Powell 215 in the spring of 2021. The new location in the middle of campus is more easily accessible for students.
“Moving to Powell Building has allowed Colonel's Cupboard to provide fresh food and gives us a more spacious place for students to come and shop for any items they may need,” Banderman said.
The process to get items from the Colonel’s Cupboard is simple. Students can make appointments or walk-in Monday through Friday.
“I'm glad that we’re reaching our students and providing support in order to launch further academic success,” said Banderman.
The Cupboard operates entirely from donations, whether it be monetary based or item based from all around the community to keep it fully stocked. To learn more about Colonel’s Cupboard or to donate, visit communityservice.eku.edu/cupboard.