Kansas State University prides itself on being a tightly bound family, and that family recognizes it is part of an equally tight community.
Part of that community suffers from food insecurity, according to a recent study.
In early spring of 2020, prior to K-State's COVID-19 transition to remote learning, a total of 10,000 Manhattan-campus students were randomly selected from that semester’s enrollment rolls. Students participated in the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (NCHA). The ACHA-NCHA included a validated scale measuring food security from the USDA Economic Research Service.
The assessment data revealed that nearly 40 percent of KSU respondents reported low, or very low food security. The K-State figure is consistent with national data for the typical college campus – revealing a huge student population battling uncertain and unreliable food realities on what can be an arduous academic journey.
Cats’ Cupboard
As a remedy, the Cats' Cupboard provides immediate access to food and personal hygiene items at no cost. There are no income requirements for participation.
The lone qualification of Cats' Cupboard is that participants be a current K-State student, staff or faculty member on the Manhattan campus.
Upon an individuals’ first visit, they are asked to fill out a short survey – with no income information required. The exceptional pantry staff can provide a tour any time and are here to help as you might need. The Cats' Cupboard is organized based on consumer choice. This allows you to select your own items based on your preferences.
Located in Fairchild Hall, Cats' Cupboard is organized as a consumer-choice model, so participants may come in and make their own choices among available items. All that is asked is that you take what you need, and use what you take.
There may be items with suggested limits to ensure items are available for the next shopper. When finished shopping, participants simply take their items and go – no payment or checkout required.
Cats' Cupboard Initiative is focused on promoting food security at K-State through a collaborative effort among students, faculty, staff, and community. In addition to an on-campus food pantry, Cats’ Cupboard provides education, engagement opportunities, and support through initiatives that promote health, success, and well-being.
By providing support for food and hygiene, Cats’ Cupboard hopes to prevent food insecurity from being a barrier to student success by building awareness and the capacity of the KSU campus community to address this challenge from a holistic perspective.
Click here for a short video about the Cats’ Cupboard shopping experience
Harvesters Community Food Network
An even broader food swath is cut by Harvesters – a regional food bank serving a 26-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. Harvesters provides food and related household products to more than 760 nonprofit agencies, including emergency food pantries, community kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes and others. Harvesters also offers education programs to increase community awareness of hunger and teach about good nutrition.
For every dollar donated, Harvesters is able to provide six meals to families and individuals in need during the holiday season.
Harvesters is a certified member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks. In 2011, Harvesters was Feeding America’s Food Bank of the Year, and is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Directed by a board of leaders from regional businesses, industry, higher education and government, Harvesters partners with Manhattan-area churches and civic groups to provide over a dozen food pantries in the area.
Harvesters even operates drive-thru food pickup sites and food kitchens with hot meals available at several locations in the greater Manhattan and Ogden.
Click here for a printable list of available items from Harvester.
Hands On K-State pickup is the second Friday of each month from 4-6 p.m. at 2201 Kimball Avenue. Organizers highly suggest calling 785-532-6085 to confirm hours and dates.
Thanks to Harvester’s friends Peter & Veronica Mallouk and Creative Planning Inc., each donation made to Harvester this holiday season will be matched to make twice the impact.