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The Cougar Cupboard, a nonprofit food pantry dedicated to serving the students, faculty and staff of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, celebrated its grand opening in a new location on the lower level of the Morris University Center (MUC). The Office of Student Affairs marked the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, drawing visitors from departments across campus. Guests and students were treated to festive refreshments as they toured the new space.

Lealia Williams, student care and advocacy coordinator, cut the ribbon. She was joined by Rony Die, Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Mindy Dilley, EdD, Assistant Dean of Students, Miriam Roccia, Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Andrea Keller, director of development of Student Affairs. Williams highlighted the importance of the Cougar Cupboard in addressing food insecurity on campus.

"The Cougar Cupboard provides basic needs for our students, including food and hygiene products. We know students need food in order to succeed,” said Williams.

The Cougar Cupboard’s mission extends beyond providing food. It aims to empower its clients through self-determination and community connections. The pantry is supported entirely by donations and has expanded its reach through the deployment of Mini Cougar Cupboards across campus, making it easier for those in need to access resources.

According to the Cougar Cupboard, 37% of students experienced limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food in the past 30 days. To address this issue, the Cougar Cupboard launched a sponsorship program with three tiers of funding. In August alone, the pantry served 292 clients and distributed 1,307 pounds of food.

The new location in the MUC is more accessible, and Williams emphasized that it allows clients to browse discreetly and without shame.

"People can easily and inconspicuously pick up items and not feel bad about coming here for aid. There’s no sense of shame or guilt," said Williams, as she displayed donated reusable shopping bags from Dieterich Bank.

Student volunteers are trained to be sensitive to the needs of clients, understanding that food insecurity can be a difficult topic to discuss. In addition to its regular food drives, the Cougar Cupboard offers programs like “Basics in a Bag,” which provides students with essential goods like nuts and applesauce in a convenient to-go bag. A new commercial refrigerator is set to be installed soon, further enhancing the pantry's ability to provide fresh options.

With the grand opening, the Cougar Cupboard reaffirms its commitment to supporting the University community and aligning with SIUE’s accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles, making campus life more equitable for all.

PHOTO: Rony Die, Andrea Keller, Lealia Williams, Mindy Dilley, Miriam Roccia