Cougar Cupboard - University of Houston
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Center for Student Advocacy and Community

Cougar Cupboard

Food insecurity, or the inability to afford enough nutritious food to fuel a regularly healthy lifestyle, is a growing concern on college campuses nationwide. In an effort to address this significant barrier to student success, the University of Houston has opened the Cougar Cupboard in partnership with the Houston Food Bank’s Food for Change market network. The cupboard is available to all enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who may need access to additional food.

4200 Martin Luther King Blvd, Room R101 Contact Us Donate Volunteer

Red Talks

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
5:00pm -7:00pm
Houston Room

Red Talks provides a platform for students to explore campus community through creative expressions. Join us for performances and compelling conversations about community and belonging, showcasing important perspectives from students of all backgrounds.

We are actively seeking creatives and performers for Red Talks. Please fill out our interest form by March 26th.

How to Sign Up

  • Step 1:

    First part of the form - demographic information for Cougar Cupboard Data Collection

  • Step 2:

    Answer questions to make sure that you understand the services you will receive at the Cupboard.

  • Step 3:

    Houston Food Bank questionnaire. Once you complete this section, you will receive an FSH number. Please copy and paste that ID (including the FSH portion) to the original form.



The Cougar Cupboard functions similarly to a grocery store

When you go to the Cupboard for the first time, please share your FSH ID. You will receive an ID card with your name, FSH ID, and PSID. Treat this card like a debit card! You will need it every time you come into the Cupboard. After checking in at the first visit, students may browse the shelves for their desired items; frozen and refrigerated items are also available in coolers. Limits may be placed on certain items due to limited quantity. Every student may receive up to 30 lbs of groceries each week, whether they get it all at once or across multiple visits. The poundage resets every Monday. Once finished choosing their items, students must use our free checkout and be ready to provide their PeopleSoft ID# and their Food Scholarship ID#.

Hours of Operation

First day back for Spring 2025 is Thursday, January 2025

Hours
Tuesday 2 pm - 6 pm
Thursday 2 pm - 6 pm
Friday 9 am - 2 pm

  • Second Location: Operated by PEEPS

    The Cougar Cupboard is pleased to announce that we have merged with PEEPS Pantry to create a second location, Cougar Cupboard 2. Students are free to use both the Cougar Cupboard and Cougar Cupboard 2 to help offset their monthly expenses.

    The second location, housed in the College of Education, is open to all currently enrolled students and is supported by donations, volunteers, and assistance from the Cougar Cupboard. Please make an appointment via Navigate to use Cougar Cupboard 2.

    Cougar Cupboard 2 site

  • “I never feel judged or looked down upon for going. I also like that just being a student qualifies you because I do not qualify for other assistance programs but do need some assistance.”
  • “[The Cougar Cupboard] has given me an opportunity to connect with my community. I made some friends in the line for the cupboard, and since we have it in common we tend to go together or tell each other if there is anything new. The cupboard has helped me a lot this year, especially when they gave a gallon of water. Lately there were some problems with the water in Houston ( lack of water or boiling issues), so their help has saved me.”
  • “When I first arrived in the US, I had to survive on oatmeal and nutty bars for approximately 1 month to make ends meet. I feel comfortable saying that my educational performance at UH has been great so far and that's partly due to the Cougar Cupboard. Since I discovered this resource last October, I never had to worry about running out of food again or having to commute 30 minutes at least to visit a grocery store every week.”
  • "The cupboard really helped me and the people working there are truly selfless individuals. They are always there when I need them and ready to help. I really appreciate that."

Additional Resources

Impact in Numbers

  • 7,300+ sign ups
  • 40k+ total visits
  • 600k+ pounds of food dist.
  • 3,000 DoorDash bag deliveries

Since January 2020

Monetary Donations

We are also more than happy to accept monetary donations! To send a monetary donation, text "Cupboard" to 71-777 or visit our Support Cougar Cupboard fundraiser page. Below is a list of what can be purchased with each donation:

  • $250 = 450 canned or microwavable meals
  • $500 = 400 cartons of milk (+ previous items)
  • $1,000 = 900 bags of rice (+ previous items)
  • $1,500 = 350 bars of soap & 250 bottles of shampoo (+ previous items)
  • $2,000 = 300 toothpaste/toothbrush kits + 300 cleaning sprays (+ previous items)
  • $5,000 = double all previous items, plus extras of most-needed stock
  • $10,000 = new student worker for one year

If sending a donation by check, checks must be payable to the University of Houston. "Cougar Cupboard" should be added in the memo section.

Physical Donations

The Cougar Cupboard recognizes the vital role that food and nutrition play in supporting our students' health. We are committed to providing nutritious foods to the UH community through a client-choice food pantry model. While we appreciate all donations, certain items align more closely with our commitment to supporting our neighbors.

We are always on the lookout for donations of fresh produce, grains, proteins, and healthy snacks which are both full of nutrients and help to promote heart healthy choices. Contact uhcupbrd@cougarnet.uh.edu to schedule your donation day!

For info on what to donate please click the Donation Brochure below!

Donation Brochure

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