Have questions about the food pantry at Indiana University Kokomo?
If you have questions about the food pantry at Indiana University Kokomo, we're here to help! The Cougar Cupboard, under the Office of Student Life and Campus Diversity, is managed by the resource navigator and is a free service offering essential products to all current Indiana University Kokomo students. Through our online form, it is an anonymous service and you don't owe anyone an explanation anytime.
The Cougar Cupboard provides food assistance to all IU Kokomo students, faculty, and staff. We connect with the campus and community to fulfill our mission and vision and to advocate for those who experience food insecurity. We are an organization created by students, run by students, and sustained through passionate involvement and volunteering. We aim to educate the campus and community on issues surrounding hunger and food insecurity in Howard county and research ways to make a difference.
Current IU Kokomo students and employees.
No information is required; you just need to be a current student or employee.
Bring a bag to shop with if possible. If not, we can supply a reusable one.
We provide a shopping list, with guidelines for the number of food items per category (veggies, fruits, grains, etc.) that equals enough food for at least two days. A similar list is provided for hygiene and school supplies. However, if a student needs more than what is suggested in the guidelines, we just ask that it is recorded on the anonymous shopping list. This helps us determine what categories and amounts are needed most.
There are no rules about frequency of use.
If you find you are using it more than you would like, be sure to talk with the resource navigator. She might know of additional resources that could be helpful.
We provide a shopping list, with guidelines for the number of food items per category (veggies, fruits, grains, etc). that equals enough food for at least two days. A similar list is provided for hygiene and school supplies.
If a customer needs more than what is suggested in the guidelines, we just ask that it is recorded on the anonymous shopping list. This helps us determine what categories and amounts are most needed.
The Cougar Cupboard is available for any IU Kokomo student actively enrolled, as well as, any IU Kokomo faculty or staff members.
Come up to The Student Life Office(KC210) and let the person at the front desk know that you would like to shop for free at the Cougar Cupboard.
You will be given a bag (if you didn’t bring one) and a shopping list to record the items you chose.
The list, with the date on it (but no name) is turned in before you leave. The list assists us in tracking the category and number of items we give out each month and allows us to plan for future donation drives.
According to the USDA, food is considered safe 18 months to 5 years (depending on acid level of contents) past the “best by” dates. Pantries may give away food up to 18 months past the “best buy” date. Questions about food safety can be directed to Kim Mossburg, Dietitian.
Please request an updated list from the IU Kokomo resource navigator, Laura Bain-Selbo, by emailing labain@iu.edu or visiting Kelley Student Center, Room 210 C.
Community Meals
Daily:
Kokomo Rescue Mission 321 West Mulberry Meals 365 days a year 12 – 12:45 p.m. and 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Meals:
Fresh Start Ministries 801 West Mulberry 5 p.m.
Pine Valley Community Room 300 W. Center Rd, Just west of US 31 5 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church 1701 S. Locke St. 5 p.m.
New Life Church 1803 E. Vaile Ave. (Activity Center) 5 p.m.
Main St. United Methodist Church 830 S. Main Street 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday Meals:
First Church of the Nazarene 2734 S. Washington 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
First EPC Church (September – May) 2000 W. Jefferson 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Meals:
St. Andrews Episcopal Church 602 W. Superior St. Breakfast served Saturdays 9 – 10 a.m.
Please note: It is recommended that you call ahead as times and locations are subject to change.
The Cupboard store is located in Student Life (KC210). Shoppers should always be sent to Student Life, not to the Cole Fitness Center (this is now the food storage space only).
After hours, contact IUK PD and they will unlock the store. 765-455-9363
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (as long as campus offices are open)
After hours, they can contact IUK PD. They will unlock the store for the student. 765-455-9363
There are now a couple of “Grab and Go” stations where they can grab a granola bar, or a mac n cheese, etc. (depending on what is available).
The Welcome Center in Lower Alumni Hall (overseen by Student Life and supplied by campus donation drives)
Student Life Office (overseen by Student Life and supplied by campus donation drives)
Financial Aid Office (Overseen by Financial Aid staff and supplied by the staff in the office)
Anyone is welcome and encouraged to start one. I am happy to answer questions about setting one up, providing signage, and helping spread the word about your Grab and Go. If your supplies run low, the Student Life can help supplement from our supplies, if we have excess. However, your area will be responsible for securing the bulk of the donations.
Indiana University Kokomo resources and social media channels
