Volunteers from the Social Work Association run a food pantry service that is free for Salt Lake Community College students.
The Bruin Campus Cupboard, which opened in 2013, has nonperishable food items and basic toiletries on site to help students in need.
“It is a small space but we help a lot of people,” says food pantry volunteer Yolanda Platero.
The Bruin Campus Cupboard receives most of its donations from the Utah Food Bank. Every few weeks, the food bank restocks the pantry shelves with more items.
How to get help
Students must show their school ID card and fill out a quick intake form. This form is used to keep track of the distribution of the food items.
Students are able to go back every 30 days and receive two grocery bags full of any item that the student wants. Once the food items are chosen, the bags are weighed. The pounds of food that are given away are tracked and a record kept for reporting purposes.
Hours of operation vary each semester. The Social Work Association will post current hours of operation once the fall semester begins.
Students can also get involved and volunteer in the food pantry by joining the Social Work Association. This club is opened to anyone that wants to join. A social work major is not required in order to be part of this club.
Future of the pantry
Since opening in 2013, the Cupboard has grown in popularity. Located in room 2-152 at the South City Campus, keeping enough supplies in stock can be a challenge.
“The South City Pantry is only about 5 feet by 20 feet but it is well organized so that it can hold as much food and toiletries as possible,” says Platero.
Plans for expansion are in the works for the near future.
“More room and a more accessible location would be nice,” says Platero.
Students who need food from the pantry, or want to donate food items or volunteer, can stop by the Bruin Campus Cupboard and talk to one of the volunteers during hours of operation.
