Eastern Kentucky University is establishing an on campus emergency food pantry. Items for the Colonel's Cupboard will come from student and staff donations. EKU Assistant Director of Student Life-Services, Will Keaton says 21 percent of students surveyed said they've faced food insecurity issues over the past year. "The purpose of the cupboard is to provide short term food assistance boxes, while connecting our students to resources that help deal with the long term causes of why they may be facing food insecurity," said Keaton.
Keaton says 16 of EKU's 22 service counties experience a higher level of food insecurity than the state average. "So, the students who come from our service region are more likely to face food insecurity than people who come from different parts of the country," added Keaton.
Keaton says the program will offer counseling to participating students on food prep, budgeting, and finances. Students may also be referred to other agencies for long-term assistance.?
