Cats’ Cupboard providing food access to students, strong community partnerships

Attending college requires far more than going to class and studying.

It’s often the first time students are living on their own, and with that comes an increased financial burden. Nearly half of college students say their current financial situation makes it difficult to focus on other aspects of school, according to a 2024 Student Financial Wellness Survey by Trellis Strategies. According to the same survey, around 44% of students were food insecure.

OHIO students should know that should they find themselves struggling with similar circumstances, they are not at all alone. 

Ohio University and the Basic Needs Programs offer a variety of support open to all students, including the Cats’ Cupboard food pantry. All students need to do to access this resource is complete a form to confirm their student status. No complicated application process is required. If students can’t complete the form on their own devices, they can find help from staff in the Cats’ Cupboard, which is located in the Baker University Center.

Beyond providing food access to students, the Cats’ Cupboard has built strong relationships throughout the Athens community. The Cats’ Cupboard works closely with the 740 Rescue Kitchen, an initiative out of Hocking College that provides meals to the community while reducing food waste, to offer ready-made meals to pantry members. The pantry also receives food from Athens Food Rescue, another local organization focused on reducing food waste. Ohio University's Atrium Café and Culinary Services also provide meals. 

Dean of Students staff also work closely with the OHIO Student Farm to purchase student-grown produce. In addition, Community Food Initiatives, another local nonprofit organization, and the SE Ohio Food Bank help to ensure there are plenty of items available in the pantry, including fresh, local produce.

New additions to support OHIO students

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A recent addition providing the OHIO community with access to food is a new online shopping feature with the option to pick up orders in refrigerated lockers in Alden Library. The food lockers offer a convenient shopping experience with a 24-hour pickup window, tucked away on the 2nd floor of the library, near the Academic Achievement Center.

Beyond providing food, Dean of Students staff have put on workshops like a seed starting workshop to expand how students access food. In addition to the full-time staff supporting the space, OHIO social work students get hands-on career experience through direct work with the pantry. 

The food pantry is consistently stocked with staple foods, fresh produce, eggs and dairy products, feminine products and pet supplies. Donations are provided frequently, including one donor who makes a weekly grocery trip to supply the pantry. Users can schedule times to browse to avoid crowded spaces, and they can visit twice per month. Whether a student needs a little support just one time or wants to visit the pantry for food needs during their entire time at OHIO, the Cats’ Cupboard is open to them. 

“Getting help with food is no different than receiving a scholarship to help with tuition - food is on every single student's cost of attendance after all,” shared Basic Needs Program Manager Kassandra Aleksiejczyk.

One Ph.D. student in the Patton College of Education has been a member of Cats’ Cupboard for the past three years. After a friend recommended checking the resource out, she was hesitant thinking the application process would be complicated and impact her later somehow. After discovering it was just a simple sign-up form, she has been a pantry member since. 

“When I save money on food, I can afford other things like utilities, housing, my dissertation hours. When you are saving that $100 per week, it really helps,” she shared. “With the ingredients they source, you can easily match things up and make a whole meal.”

She has since shared this resource with new students as part of the organization she leads. She hopes to support the pantry once she graduates and begins her career.

“I want to give back; I am really committed to that. It helped me a lot and I want it to continue for future students,” she said. 

Raven, a third-year music production student, has visited the pantry since returning to OHIO to complete their degree. They shared that it was their only source of food for a long time while getting back on their feet.

“I’m in a better space now because of the pantry supporting me,” Raven said. 

They noted how a lot of people think a pantry is just canned foods, but the Cats’ Cupboard has produce, ready meals and snacks.

Raven is now a student employee for the Cats’ Cupboard, helping other students access this resource that has been so valuable to them.

“It feels good working here because I’m helping people like me. It’s the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had,” Raven said.

Additional information on the Cats' Cupboard

Sign up here to access the pantry or support this resource by purchasing items from the Amazon wish list, donating to the Food Pantry Support Fund, or dropping donations off at the second floor of Baker University Center donation station.

Ohio University staff are also encouraged to host food drives, like the one Ohio University Human Resources organized rather than their usual monthly potluck. The Basic Needs Programs also provide information about SNAP assistance and other food resources in the area.