Cougar Cupboard
Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or the ability to acquire such foods in a socially acceptable manner (HOPE4COLLEGE.COM, 2017). On top of food, college students must balance several costs, including rent, tuition, and other personal expenses. This can make students miss meals, according to research. To address this issue, USF has created an on-campus food pantry and partnership with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church food pantry.
Cougar Cupboard
USF’s food pantry began in Spring 2021 to serve a growing need for students. According to Hunger on Campus, 47 percent of 4-year college students reported food insecurity (Association of American Colleges & Universities, 2017). Cougar Cupboard provides non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to any member of the USF community who is in need. The Cougar Cupboard is located on the lower level of the Mears Library. It is open during regular library hours during the school year:
- Monday-Thursday, 8 AM–10 PM
- Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
- Saturday, 11 AM–3 PM
- Sunday, 3–10 PM
Summer Hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM–5 PM
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry
OSL’s food pantry is available for both USF and Augustana students and offers non-perishables and some refrigerated and freezer items. Those who visit will be asked to show their USF ID, but no identifiable information will be collected or kept. During the school year its hours are:
- Wednesday and Thursday 4–7 PM
- Sunday 9–11 AM
OSL’s food pantry is not open during the summer.
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
909 W 33rd St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
How to Help
Nonperishable food, hygiene items, and monetary donations are all accepted. Donations may be brought to the Student Life Office, located on the lower level of the McDonald Center, open Monday-Friday 8 AM–5 PM.
Contact Kristin Kotas at (605) 331-6711 or Kristin.Kotas@usiouxfalls.edu with any questions.