Skip to main content
uniE610
Jump to Footer

Big Red's Cupboard

Located in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB) in room 239 lies Big Red’s Cupboard. The cupboard is a grant-funded and donation-run pantry available to students needing essential food and hygiene items. This is a free resource for currently active Shippensburg University students. Nearly 3 out of 5 college students struggle to care for their most basic needs, this includes being able to afford food and hygiene items (some items have a limit per visit/per day). The cupboard is in place to support students so that they can focus on learning without facing hunger and lack of resources. 

Moriah Hathaway, a Ship alumna and board trustee, faced her own struggles with food insecurity as a student. Caryn Long Earl, also a Ship alumna, has joined Hathaway in allocating resources and encouraging alumni to support the cupboard. 

Moving forward, Big Red’s Cupboard aims to expand its reach and is working hard to make all students feel welcome and supported. With the help of Hathaway and Earl, the cupboard’s impact continues to grow and provide vital resources to students in need. 

Emily Javitt, the staff coordinator, emphasizes the crucial role of the cupboard and its ability to foster academic success and encourages support from the community. To donate or contribute to the cupboard, visit the SU Foundation’s website, or shop the cupboard’s Amazon Wishlist. As a community, we can work towards eliminating basic need insecurity for students on campus.

Important Information

  • Big Red's Cupboard is open both daytime and evening hours, based on volunteer availability. Check the Instagram @BigRedsCupboard for hours.
  • There is no application required to access this benefit. CUB desk assistants will confirm students have an active Shippensburg University ID and then create a profile in the inventory system. Individuals can use their preferred names in the system and student privacy is a top priority, so volunteers are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.
  • The pantry is usually stocked with plastic bags to help students carry their items if students forget to bring their reusable totes.
  • We organize van trips to BB’s Market, a local discount grocery store, a few times a semester.
  • It is a great opportunity for those that have required volunteer service hours. We ask that your organization reach out to us so we can ensure this experience fulfills your specific needs.
  • If you’d like to donate items, we only ask that items are not expired. Some things we have plenty of and others are in high demand so send us an email cupboard@ship.edu if you have questions. Donations can be left outside the space or at the CUB front desk.