Carleton Cupboard

Overview

The Carleton Cupboard is located in the lower level of the Sayles-Hill Campus Center, room 020 (near KRLX). Its purpose is to provide food to students impacted by food insecurity and unable to purchase their own food during winter and spring breaks. In addition to helping alleviate hunger within the student community, the program aims to reduce the impact food insecurity has on the academic success of Carleton students. The Cupboard will not be open when classes are in session or during summer break.

The Carleton Cupboard is stocked with various items, including canned vegetables, pasta, cereal, fruit, tortillas, milk, eggs, cheese, and bread. All items are free of charge. After the brief registration process, students can utilize the Carleton Cupboard confidentially, as the facility is designed for only one person at a time. A motion-activated red light illuminates above the door in the outer hallway when the Cupboard is occupied, indicating to other students to come back later.

Students who would like to utilize the Cupboard need to register for access. First-time users of the Cupboard are required to meet with a member of the Student Activities Office. At this meeting, students will receive additional resources to help address food insecurity and have a chance to preview the Cupboard. Additionally, students will receive a reusable canvas shopping bag. Keep in mind that after this meeting it takes 2-3 business days for Campus Services to program OneCard access. Schedule your appointment accordingly.

Dates & Hours of Operation

• Winter Break: November 25, 2025 – January 2, 2026. Monday-Friday. Closed Weekends.
• Spring Break: March 17-27, 2026. Monday-Friday. Closed Weekends.

Cooking Kits

Cooking kits are available for check out during Carleton breaks. The longevity of this program is dependent upon students keeping the items clean and stored in their room when not in use. The Standard Kit includes two small sauce pots, one small frying pan, a colander, a cutting board, and basic cooking utensils. It is most useful for a single student cooking for themselves. Additional cooking items are available for those who would like to cook for more than one person. The number of available kits is limited.

There is no charge for checking out a cooking kit, however replacement fees will be applied to the student’s account if the kit is damaged or not returned by the deadline. In total, Standard Kits are worth $65. Students may also be charged for individual items that are damaged or lost. All kits are due back to SAO the first week of classes after the Cupboard closes.

---

Supporting the Cupboard

Donations

The Cupboard is supported entirely from contributions from our business partners and the greater Carleton community. Although we are currently unable to accept direct donations of food, we do greatly appreciate financial support as described below. Make a gift online by credit card, mobile payment, or bank transfer, and select “other” designation then indicate “Carleton Cupboard” in the text box. This allows us to shop locally and reduce our carbon footprint. To mail a check, use the following mailing address:

Carleton College, ATTN Gift Accounting
1 North College Street
Northfield, MN 55057

Mailed checks should include a note that the gift should go to the Carleton Cupboard. For questions or to speak to someone in the development office, contact Shannon Schulz to get in touch with a development officer.

CUFBA

In April 2018, the Carleton Cupboard joined the College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA). CUFBA is a professional organization consisting of campus-based programs focused on alleviating food insecurity, hunger, and poverty among college and university students in the United States. 

Feedback & Recommendations

The Carleton Cupboard is a fairly new program and continuously evolving. The Student Activities Office (SAO) is interested in feedback from the Carleton Community. You can submit feedback about the program.

---

---