Clyde’s Cupboard, the first UCCS on-campus student food bank, opened its doors March 12.
Located in the Student Life and Leadership Office within the University Center, Clyde’s Cupboard will offer students a viable source of food that they may not otherwise have access to.
“We have students that don’t qualify for financial assistance or need-based programs that still don’t know what they’re going to have for dinner,” Amanda Koback, program manager, Office of the Dean of Students, said. “Our goal is to fill that need and to help our students however we can.”
Currently, the cupboard is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes five sections: protein, fruits and vegetables, condiments, on-the-go snacks, and breakfast items. Students are able to select two items from each of the first three sections, and one item from the last two, once a week.
Students wanting to access the food bank will need to show their student ID card, and on the first visit complete a check-in sheet. According to Koback, the form is to verify enrollment and to assess needs.
While Clyde’s Cupboard may be the first on-campus food bank, the program has been in the works for some time. According to Koback, the main hurdle was finding funding and a location to store the food items.
That changed during 2013 summer when a group of anthropology students was asked to examine how to build community organizations that would help their own communities. The group focused on UCCS and a number of potential organizations including a student community center, food bank, community theater, a student guide and student veteran resources. Of the topics, the food bank received the most support.
Working with the Office of the Dean of Students, the UCCS Career Center, the Anthropology Club and the Office of Student Life and Leadership, the project soon took shape.
Daniel Jaramillo, senior anthropology major, and chair of the Anthropology Club, believes Clyde’s Cupboard is a way for the UCCS community to take care of each other.
“Clyde’s Cupboard is a way we can create community and a feeling that we care and will help fellow students in need,” Jaramillo said. “This is our chance to show that we’re not just defined by our academics but by our humanity. Creating a caring community will teach us lessons that are not often taught in class.”
Faculty, staff and students can help by spreading the word and by donating non-perishable food items. Individuals interested in volunteering time or donating food should contact the Dean of Students Office, [email protected] or 255-3091.
– Photos by Philip Denman and courtesy of the Dean of Students Office
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