The Cap Cupboard
Mission Statement
The Cap Cupboard at Capital University strives to alleviate food insecurity among Capital students, staff and faculty by providing free and accessible food and hygiene items to those in need. Capital students with need will also be connected to resources, both on and off campus.
Resources Provided
- Nonperishable Food Items
- Canned items
- Pastas/grains
- Microwavable meals
- Breakfast and snack items
- Hygiene Products
- Feminine hygiene products
- Shaving items
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste
- Weekend Bags
- Distributed every Friday from 10 a.m. until noon
- Bags for Break
- Fall break, Thanksgiving break, winter break, spring break, and Easter break
- Referrals to other campus and community resources
Contact Information and Hours
Tristen Davis, Associate Director of Student and Community Engagement
capcupboard@capital.edu
Cap Cupboard Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m.
Otherwise by appointment
Harry C. Moores Student Union, Basement, Room 008
Background of the Cap Cupboard
The Cap Cupboard, opened during the 2018 Fall Semester, is a food resource center for Capital University students run by students, faculty, and staff volunteers. Through current university-wide Student Success initiatives and student self-reporting, Capital University learned that food security is a significant barrier to student success. While connecting students to resources is a trademark of Capital University, we have not been able to provide immediate relief and benefit to any student in need. By implementing the Capital Cupboard, a food resource center, we gain the ability to support students long-term.
During the 2022-2023 school year, there has been a record of over 170 visits to the Cap Cupboard. The Cap Cupboard has grown to provide additional resources to continue serving people over weekends and breaks through our Bags for Break and Weekend Bags programs. The Cap Cupboard added toiletry and hygiene items to the list of available resources in Spring 2019. We hope to continue to add resources to the Cap Cupboard as we learn more about our students’ needs.
Resources are available to any student registered for at least one credit hour at Capital University, and any faculty and staff member. The Cap Cupboard does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or the presence of a disability.
Volunteers
Volunteers at the Cap Cupboard are asked to commit to serving for the full duration of a semester. The Cap Cupboard’s operations depend on the time and dedication of its volunteers. Recruitment for volunteers takes place from the start of each semester through the midterm break.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email capcupboard@capital.edu.
Resources for Donors
Please refer to the Food Resource Document for detailed information about acceptable donation items, delivery methods, the link to our Amazon Wishlist, and additional guidelines for supporting the Cap Cupboard.
Download the Food Resource Document
Sustainability Statement
The Cap Cupboard is committed to fostering sustainable practices that support both our campus community and the environment. To reduce waste and promote long-term stewardship, the Cap Cupboard operates under a reusable tote bag policy. Each visitor receives a reusable tote bag to carry their items and is encouraged to bring it back during their next visit. This practice helps minimize single-use plastic and paper waste while building a culture of environmental responsibility on campus.
We also encourage all members of the Capital community to adopt simple, mindful habits that help reduce food waste and support sustainability efforts, such as:
- Taking only what you need to ensure resources remain available for others.
- Planning meals ahead to use perishable items before they expire.
- Storing food properly to extend freshness and minimize spoilage.
- Sharing or donating surplus food when possible through organized campus efforts.
- Learning about food labels, including “best by” and “use by” dates, to make informed decisions about consumption.
- Composting when possible to reduce landfill waste and support sustainable soil use.
By participating in these efforts, students, faculty, and staff help the Cap Cupboard continue its mission to care for our community while caring for the planet.