SAMRU tackles food insecurity on campus through accessible cupboards
Noel Ormita, Contributor
Mount Royal University (MRU) students coming back this fall will notice a new addition on campus. The Student’s Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) has started an initiative called SAMRU Care Cupboards where students can acquire free snacks and hygiene supplies through pantries displayed in different areas of the campus. It aims to be a long term solution to combat food insecurity on campus.
A research study done by MRU nursing and general education students, along with the rising popularity of community pantries, started the whole idea of the Care Cupboards. The report looked at the food insecurity present on MRU’s campus a few years ago.
Students can still access other programs at Wyckham House like the free breakfast program, campus food bank services for larger items, and referrals to Calgary Food Bank. With the Care Cupboards, students can go to any of five locations around campus and take what you need with comfort. They are located on the main floors of EA Building, EB Building, Riddell Library, second floor of B-wing and in the Cougars Concourse between recreation and wellness.
SAMRU Care Cupboards are stocked with fruits, granola bars, juice and fruit gummies to enjoy and are replenished twice a week. Students will also find other hygienic essentials like masks, condoms, pads and tampons.
According to SAMRU Support Services Manager, Lisa Antichow, the produce available in the cupboards are bound to change depending on what’s available and what’s been donated.
To make requests, comments and concerns, and to make donations, each Care Cupboard has embedded contact information on the side.
