King's tackles student food insecurity

With the cost of food and other essential items continuing to rise, food insecurity is one of the most significant challenges students face today. The uncertainty and inability to maintain a sufficient diet can impact students’ grades, energy level, and concentration, as well as their performance today and, ultimately, their prospects in the future.

King’s has introduced the Food Cupboard, which makes food and hygiene products, available in the lockers in the basement of the Student Life Centre, to support our students who may face difficulties in meeting their basic needs.

"As we have seen a rise in the cost of living, students are feeling the direct impact of that. Students are having to decide to either pay for groceries or rent. (The Food Cupboard Initiative) has been a really beautiful collaboration between the King's University College Students’ Council (KUCSC), Student Affairs, and King’s Campus Ministry. This is an example of community building and proof that King's really does take care of its own,” says Laura Crowe, KUCSC President.

How Can Students Use the Cupboard?
Operating under a straightforward concept, “take what you need, give what you can,” King’s has established a pantry-like setup where any students facing difficulties take what they need, including canned goods, other non-perishable food items or hygiene products.

The Food Cupboard operates on an honour system, ensuring the privacy and respect of those who use it.

How Can You Contribute?
If you are in a position to give, you can contribute by donating food items to the cupboard.

You can donate non-perishable items in these drop boxes:

• King's Christ the King Chapel
• Accessibility, Counselling and Student Development (ACSD) reception, Wemple 151
• Emily Carrothers' office, Wemple 064

You can also make a financial donation through Campus Ministry (noting Food Cupboard) or through the Student Emergency Fund. Donations through the Student Emergency Fund will receive a charitable tax receipt.  

The King's University College Students’ Council (KUCSC), Student Affairs, and King’s Campus Ministry hope that the King's community will embrace the Food Cupboard initiative and help to make a real difference in our students' lives.