Eastern Connecticut State University’s on-campus food pantry, Shawn’s Cupboard, will benefit from a month-long Stop & Shop fundraiser this September. Starting Sept. 1 and lasting all month long, the local grocery store’s Community Bags Program will donate $1 to the pantry for every $2.50 reusable “Give Back” bag sold.

Shawn’s Cupboard is open to all Eastern students experiencing food insecurity. Located in Knight House and sponsored by the University’s Campus Ministry, the pantry provides a variety of perishable and nonperishable foods, free of charge with no appointments necessary.

“Shawn’s Cupboard has always depended on the generosity of others, and even before (the Community Bags Program), Stop & Shop was there to help us fill in the gaps,” said the pantry’s volunteer coordinator, Sara Marrufo, a senior double majoring in data science and business information systems. “From gifting large signs to increase visibility for students passing by to helping us stock our shelves, their support has been invaluable.

“This new Stop & Shop opportunity to donate through reusable bag sales will continue to help us fulfill our mission. Although Shawn’s Cupboard is primarily student-led, it’s incredibly reassuring to know that the community cares and is willing to help fill in the gaps.”

Eastern and the three other Connecticut state universities — Central, Southern, Western — are members of Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry Program. “This is our second year participating in the program,” said Michelle Delaney, vice president for Student Affairs. “Stop & Shop works directly with schools — pre-k through college — to establish and fund food pantries to ensure that students have access to healthy food items.”

In the 2023-24 academic year, Shawn’s Cupboard received more than 900 visits, of which almost 300 were unique students. Nearly 7,000 items were taken, the most popular including fresh fruit, microwaveable meals, snacks and pasta.

“Eastern utilizes donations to purchase fresh produce and other high-demand items, which keep the shelves in Shawn’s Pantry stocked throughout the year,” said Delaney. “Every dollar raised from the Community Bags Program will be used to support Eastern students who are experiencing food insecurity.”