Campus Cupboard, a hidden treasure

Tucked away in a corner near the Phoenix Club in UW-Green Bay’s University Union is an often-overlooked room filled with non-perishable items that are free for UWGB students and community members in need. What is this hidden treasure? It’s known as the Campus Cupboard.

Originally sponsored through UWGB’s Pride Center, Campus Cupboard is a student organization that helps provide food and other essentials to students and community members in need. Students are welcome to come once a month and fill a brown paper grocery bag with selected items. Since September, Campus Cupboard has provided services to more than 75 students, filling a total of more than 85 brown paper bags.

Skyler Toyne

Skyler Toyne found out about Campus Cupboard through Stacie Christian, coordinator of Pride Center, and their work at the Pride Center. “It has a nice selection of organic food and a great selection of personal hygiene products,” Toyne says.

“I learned about Campus Cupboard because I’m an intern at the Pride Center, and through the guidance of Stacie was given a wonderful volunteer opportunity,” says Joe Stempski, a graduate Social Work intern, and assistant president of Campus Cupboard. “My experience has been both inspiring and thought provoking to witness these resources being given to the people in need within the community.”

The Campus Cupboard is home to non-perishable food items, along with hygiene products like soap and toothpaste. Every semester, the Campus Cupboard partners with the Pride Center for a Clothing and Household Item Swap, where community members can donate items and take what they need. The next Swap will take place in the Phoenix Rooms from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, April 4. This is free for any student and community member.

The hours for the Campus Cupboard are 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays. It’s located on the lowest floor of the University Union, in the hallway that leads to the Union loading dock — look for the green and white signs outside of the Phoenix Club near the former Erbert’s and Gerbert’s location.

One student has commented that the experience with Campus Cupboard has been exceptional.

“I’ve been able to find a lot of food, and people who work there are really nice, and respect your privacy.”

Story by University Communication editorial intern Angela Kingsley
Photo by Dan Moore