Who We Are
The Cardinal Cupboard is Catholic U's food pantry, which provides non-perishable food items to any member of the university community that is experiencing food insecurity.
The Cardinal Cupboard operates on the principles of charity, social justice, inclusivity, accessibility, and dignity. Students or employees who find that they have difficulty purchasing adequate and sufficient groceries are welcome to visit the pantry to receive assistance.
Access our weekly grocery guide for community resources in the DMV.
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity has been defined as inconsistent or uncertain access to adequate and nutritious food.
Signs of food insecurity include one or more of the following:
- Skipping meals because of financial restrictions.
- Stretching a single meal to last all day.
- Always having to buy cheap, non-nutritious food.
- Choosing between buying food and other financial obligations.
- Experiencing anxiety or uncertainty about food availability.
Visiting the Cardinal Cupboard
The Cardinal Cupboard has moved to its permanent home! Stop by McMahon B05, on the lower level, Monday - Friday from 12-5 PM to shop with us.
The Cardinal Cupboard provides shelf stable groceries to members of the CUA community who are experiencing food insecurity at any point in time. Given the limited inventory, the Cupboard is designed to be a supplemental rather than primary resource.
After completing initial intake, patrons are welcome to shop once per week within a 10lb visit limit.
What's In Stock
*subject to availability
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Grains - Cereal, pasta, rice
- Personal items - diapers, baby wipes, feminine items, oral care, shampoo and soap
- Prepared foods - boxed mac + cheese, microwave meals, canned soup
- Proteins - beans, peanut butter, tuna
- Seasonal produce - grown and donated by CUA Community Garden
- Shelf-Stable Milk
- Snacks - Crackers, granola bars, fruit snacks
Donate to Cardinal Cupboard
The Cardinal Cupboard is supported through generous monetary and item donations. From food drives to volunteering, the CUA students, staff, alumni and families are the driving support system for the pantry. Most items purchased for the pantry are done so through the Capital Area Food Bank, however, we strive to widen our reach and provide hygiene products and toiletries whenever possible.
To provide a monetary donation to Cardinal Cupboard, please click here. Donated items can be dropped off directly to Cardinal Cupboard during our open hours, or anytime in the Campus Ministry office in Caldwell Hall. For additional information about items to donate or questions, please contact cua-cardinal-cupboard@cua.edu.
Most Requested Items:
*We request that all toiletry items be full size bottles, not travel size or hotel samples.
- Soap
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
Volunteer at Cardinal Cupboard
Volunteers are vital to the success of the Cardinal Cupboard. Current students and staff may volunteer on a weekly basis or periodically, the commitment can vary based on your schedule. Depending on the shift, volunteers may assists visitors with their shopping experience, host tabling events around campus to spread word about the pantry, sort donations, inventory the pantry, assist in shopping for pantry items, restock shelves, or other pantry related tasks. If interested in volunteering, please email cua-cardinal-cupboard@cua.edu to learn more. Volunteers will need to attend a short training session.
Staff
Cristina Sandoval — Charitable Services Manager (sandovalc@cua.edu)
Contact Information
For questions or information related to The Cardinal Cupboard, please contact cua-cardinal-cupboard@cua.edu