鶹

Bears Helping Bears, Every Day

Kate's Cupboard

Pastor Todd Cutter places stock on a shelf in the current food pantry

Kate’s Cupboard is Lenoir‑Rhyne’s on‑campus expanded food pantry dedicated to supporting the well‑being of our 鶹 community. With 24/7 access to fresh and non‑perishable foods, as well as hygiene items, Kate’s Cupboard ensures that no student has to choose between meeting basic needs and achieving academic success.

Food Insecurity: A National Challenge

Kate Esch, the namesake for Kate's Cupboard, offers remarks during opening of Kate's Cupboard during opening ceremony
Kate Esch offers remarks during the opening ceremony for Kate's Cupboard.

Food insecurity is a growing concern on college campuses across the United States. According to national surveys:

  • 23 percent of college students nationwide experience food insecurity.
  • Students experiencing food insecurity are more likely to report lower academic performance and higher stress.
  • Access to campus food pantries has been shown to reduce barriers to learning and improve overall student retention.
     

Location, Access & Security

  • Kate’s Cupboard is located in the Cromer Center and is accessible 24/7 to all 鶹 students, faculty and staff through their 鶹 ID card, ensuring both security and confidentiality.
  • The pantry is entirely supported through the generosity of our community and is stocked with donated items, including non-perishable foods, fresh produce, dairy and personal hygiene products.
  • Every contribution helps ensure that members of our campus community have consistent access to essential resources.

How You Can Help

The continued success of Kate’s Cupboard relies on the generosity of our community. Here are three ways you can make a difference:

  • Amazon Wishlist: Purchase items directly from our curated of needs that will be shipped directly to the institution.
  • Monetary Donations: to help stock perishable foods and sustain ongoing operations.
  • Donation Drop-off: Coordinate with one of the points of contact and drop items off directly at 鶹.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Do you Qualify?

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps. SNAP, the largest federal nutrition program in the US, is administered by the US Department of Agriculture and provides monthly benefits to purchase food. In NC, SNAP is administered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services and referred to as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) or SNAP/FNS.

SNAP/FNS is the largest and most effective federal program fighting hunger in the United States. SNAP/FNS participants receive extra money each month for healthy groceries.. 
College students who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible for SNAP/FNS, but must meet additional requirements. These requirements are referred to as “exemptions,” (since students are not eligible for SNAP/FNS by default). Students must meet income exemptions and one additional exemption to receive monthly benefits to pay for food.

To see if you may be eligible for SNAP/FNS benefits, simply click on the link and take the two-minute quiz to see if you may be eligible. 
 

Contacts

For more information about Kate’s Cupboard, please reach out to: