Soft Launching Comet's Cupboard

One of the many shelves in the Comet's Cupboard that The University of Olivet's students can choose from. Photo by Shaelyn Lampinen.

“When you hear Comet’s Cupboard you think of free and you think of good stuff” said Joshua Gillespie, dean of students. The soft launch of the Comet’s Cupboard was held on Sept. 4 in a new location in the Cutler Student Center behind the mailroom.

The Comet’s Cupboard is a pantry where students can go to get basic needs such as food and toiletries. According to Gillespie their goal is to decrease student economic burden and the stigma against food pantries.

The Cupboard gets its supplies from the Meijer warehouse, Lansing food bank, other coordinated agreements, and Olivet’s Starbucks on campus. When getting food they look for not expired, non-perishable items that are sealed properly, and fresh produce that is still good and safe to eat.

A Junior at the University of Olivet Kelsee Lawson said “It is an opportunity for students to have a mini store on campus.”

The new location has allowed the Cupboard to expand, helping them get fresher produce.

According to Gillespie last year, the Cupboard averaged 143 students per week and had around 3000 visits in total. They also had 430 different students visit the cupboard at least once.

The Cupboard is open every Wednesday from 12:30- 4:30 p.m. The process of going is simple. Upon arrival students will be asked to scan a QR code on the UO app. Then students will go in, walk around, and take what they need.

There are limitations on how much students can take, but the President of Comet’s Cupboard, Olivia Burt said “we will also have a staff member telling you what you can and can not grab.”

Gwen Lyczynski, sophomore, said “it is one of the best things here on campus.” And with a growing interest in the Comet’s Cupboard, the workers expect it to continue to grow every year.

By Shaelyn Lampinen