Heather D Moran Heather Moran
Cougar Pantry Ribbon Cutting
Students at the College of Charleston should never have to go hungry or skip meals due to financial constraints. That is why the Cougar Pantry is here: to ensure students don’t have to choose between purchasing textbooks and buying groceries.
Since its opening in the Stern Student Center (which is currently being renovated) in 2018, the Cougar Pantry has been a student-led organization created to combat food insecurity and is open to all students on campus. The pantry offers complete meals, to-go snacks, breakfast, sweet treats, college staples, personal hygiene products and household supplies, free of charge to students in need.
There is a strong need for this service on campus. According to recent data, 51.1% of CofC students are experiencing food insecurity. There were over 566 student visits to the pantry this semester, more than double the number of visits in all of last year. Students in the queer community and students living on campus experience food insecurity at a higher rate.
“Food insecurity is a situation that can change frequently,” says Lauren Brazell, student programming coordinator for Cougar Activities Board and Cougar Pantry. “We are here to provide our students with a judgment-free, dignified experience with no questions asked.”
The nonprofit Cougar Pantry relies 100% on donations from students, families, alumni and community partners. Student groups and departments often engage in donation drives, which is where the bulk of the items come from.
All donations can be dropped off at the Cougar Pantry’s temporary location at 26 Coming Street. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9–9 p.m. Find out what the Cougar Pantry’s top needs are here.
They also have an Amazon wishlist where donors can skip the trip and have items shipped directly to the Cougar Pantry. Monetary donations are also accepted.
