By Chiara Bondi – Junior Copy Editor

In response to the increasing food insecurity among students, Bishop’s University offers the ‘Community Cupboard’ program, which provides support for students during times of financial uncertainty. The Community Cupboard, conveniently located in Norton 100, aims to alleviate financial stress for students by offering free groceries, toiletries and other essential supplies, such as baby diapers and feminine hygiene products, up to four times per semester.

 

What sets this program apart is its unwavering commitment to anonymity and inclusivity, as there is no financial proof required to place an order. This ensures that every student who is facing hardship can find support within their academic community.

Students can access the services of the Community Cupboard by visiting https://bunited-community-cupboard.square.site/ Once students arrive on the easy-to-use site, they can place an order of up to 80 items that will be available for pickup the following Monday or Wednesday in Norton 100. All relevant pick-up information will be provided to students after their order has been placed. Community Cupboard coordinators Danielle Storey and Rosane Delorme have also created recipe cards for the website, which provide step-by-step instructions for creating delicious meals using ingredients found in the Cupboard.

Both Storey and Delorme recognize that placing an order online is not suitable for all students. In order to be accessible for all, students can now visit the Cupboard during their hours of operation – every Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – to shop in-person for items that the Cupboard offers.

Storey and Delorme have noted a large increase in the number of students using the services of the Cupboard this semester, reflecting both the increased accessibility of the Cupboard and the reality of the hardships students face today. The Community Cupboard is not a permanent solution to food insecurity, therefore students are encouraged to reach out to the free counseling services offered by Bishop’s to establish long-term solutions. To access this service, students can visit https://www.ubishops.ca/student-services/mental-health/.

If you are in a position to donate items to the Cupboard, please visit during their hours of operation on Monday and Wednesday or email the coordinators at communitycupboard@ubishops.ca to arrange a drop-off time. A full list of items that are most needed can be found on their Instagram page @bucommunitycupboard. Representatives from the Community Cupboard will also be present at the final Gaiters football game on Oct. 27 to collect items and monetary donations.

The Community Cupboard will continue to expand to meet the needs of students, with Storey describing “a new and exciting initiative” coming soon. This initiative combines the concept of a thrift store and the mission of the Community Cupboard to provide a place for students to purchase clothes at an affordable cost. Keep an eye out on their Instagram page for more details coming very soon!