UH celebrates grand opening of bigger food pantry space, free for students

The University of Houston is celebrating the grand opening of an expanded space for its student food pantry, The Cougar Cupboard, offering essential support to those facing food insecurity on campus.

Established in January 2020 to address the pressing issue of food-insecure students, The Cougar Cupboard has witnessed a significant increase in demand over the past two years, with up to 10,000 visits per semester. Recognizing the need for expansion, the pantry has relocated to a larger area at the University Lofts, strategically positioned at the campus corner.

Designed to resemble a grocery store, the new space aims to create a welcoming environment for students accessing its services. Through partnerships with the Houston Food Bank and other organizations, The Cougar Cupboard now has the capacity to provide up to 30 pounds of groceries per week, completely free of charge to students in need.

Jessica Haney, the program manager, emphasized the profound gratitude expressed by food-insecure students for the pantry’s assistance. Drawing from her own experience as a former food-insecure student, Haney highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere within the pantry.

The pantry offers a variety of essential items including milk, bread, and pantry staples, all provided at no cost to students in need. For those interested in accessing, volunteering, or contributing to the student pantry, further information can be found on the cupboard’s webpage.