A Sneak Peek Inside the HU Cupboard

When you're juggling classes, work and family responsibilities, the last thing you should worry about is where your next meal is coming from. Yet for many college students, food insecurity is a very real challenge. At Herzing University, we believe no student should have to choose between buying textbooks and buying groceries, which is why the HU Cupboard exists.

What Is the HU Cupboard?

The HU Cupboard is Herzing's on-campus food pantry, designed to support students experiencing food insecurity by offering food for them and their families at no additional cost. Available to all active students, these campus pantries provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can find the essentials you need to stay nourished and focused on your education.

The need is significant. In 2024, 1 in 3 HU students reported that at least once, they were worried whether they would run out of food before they got money to buy more. For 1 in 10 students, that worry was a frequent reality. The HU Cupboard is part of Herzing's commitment to wraparound support, which addresses not just academic needs but the basic necessities that make learning possible.

What You'll Find Inside

Most HU Cupboards are stocked with pantry staples—think canned goods, pasta, rice and other non-perishables—as well as an assortment of grab-and-go meals perfect for students who need a quick bite between classes. Some locations also offer perishable food items, fresh produce, toiletries, pre-packaged meal kits and even baby formula and food for students with young children.

We've been fortunate to receive generous support from community partners who share our commitment to student success. Penzeys Spices donated spice packets to our Minneapolis HU Cupboard, adding flavor and variety to home-cooked meals. The Whirlpool Feel Good Fridge Program donated appliances to our Orlando, Atlanta and New Orleans locations, expanding our capacity to offer fresh and perishable items.

How to Access the HU Cupboard

Using the HU Cupboard is simple and confidential. All active Herzing students are welcome to visit their campus location during posted hours—no applications, no paperwork, no questions asked. Whether you need help once or regularly throughout your time at Herzing, the cupboard is here for you.

Not sure where your campus cupboard is located or when it's open? Reach out to your student advisor or campus Student Services team for details. Remember, asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How You Can Give Back

While people tend to feel especially generous around the holidays, the HU Cupboard is a year-round initiative that depends on the ongoing support of our community. If you're in a position to give, there are several meaningful ways to help your fellow students:

• Donate food items. Non-perishable goods, shelf-stable meals and pantry staples are always needed. Check with your campus about specific items in demand or any dietary considerations.
• Organize a food drive.Rally your classmates, coworkers or community to collect donations. Even a small drive can make a big impact.
• Contribute financially. Monetary donations allow the university to purchase exactly what's needed and respond quickly to emerging needs.
• Spread the word. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is let others know the resource exists—both those who might need it and those who might want to support it.

The Power of Community

The HU Cupboard represents something bigger than food on shelves. It's a tangible expression of what happens when a community comes together to support its members. It's students helping students. It's the understanding that we all face challenges and that we're stronger when we face them together.

When you stock a shelf, donate or simply treat the cupboard with respect and care, you're participating in a culture of generosity and mutual support. You're helping ensure that every Herzing student has the fuel they need to pursue their dreams and complete their education.

The HU Cupboard is more than a pantry—it's proof that at Herzing, we take care of our own. Whether you need assistance today or are in a position to offer help, you're an essential part of this community. Together, we can make sure no student goes hungry while working toward a better future.

To learn more about the HU Cupboard, visit the Student Affairs page on the Herzing website.