Directions to the Cortland Cupboard
The Cortland Cupboard is located in Old Main basement, Room B-05. Use the entrance by the Bowers Greenhouses, go down the stairs and into the double doors. In the vestibule, use the down stairs on the left.
Accessible path
Use the entrance by the parking lot loading dock and take the elevator to the left when you head in. Go to floor “B” for basement and upon exiting, turn right and head down the hall.
If you are driving, there are metered parking spaces by Admissions.
Entering the Cortland Cupboard
Use your student ID card to swipe into the Cupboard. Take a reusable grocery bag or bring your own and take the amount of food you need.
Who is eligible to access the SUNY Cortland Cupboard?
Any SUNY Cortland student without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food may access the Cupboard. There are no restrictions or income eligibility requirements. Some students have to choose between their books or buying groceries. Other students may struggle to have enough food because they are paying for another recurring or unexpected expense. Whether you need to supplement your food on a regular basis or just sometimes, the SUNY Cortland Cupboard is a resource to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Cupboard if I live off-campus?
Yes, all SUNY Cortland students can use the Cupboard. Just scan your student ID to get in.
How do I know if I qualify to use the Cupboard?
The Cupboard doesn’t set rules to qualify because every situation is unique. If getting food is a hardship, or you find yourself deciding between groceries and other expenses, the Cupboard is here for you. Whether you need to visit once or more regularly, your need is valid.
What is the experience of using the Cupboard like?
There is as much or as little contact as you want. When you swipe into the Cupboard, all the resources we offer are there for you to use, no questions asked. There is the option of just grabbing what you need and going, or you could schedule a meeting if you would like to talk with someone in person or ask for a tour. Email cupboard@cortland.edu
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity occurs when, at any given moment, you are unable to get the food that you need to meet your nutritional requirements.
Anyone can experience food insecurity in college, regardless of your financial status. Almost half of all college students experience food insecurity at some point in their time on or off campus. You should not have to choose between paying for your food or your academics.
Who knows if I swipe into the Cupboard?
Only campus security systems has access to the card numbers swiped, in case of vandalism or other problems in the Cupboard. Any statistics about the Cupboard comes from anonymized data, in which ID cards are labeled as “User 1,” “User 2” and so on. Nobody else knows who has used the Cupboard.
What kind of food is available at the Cupboard?
The food in the Cupboard may vary with each visit because it’s restocked daily. There are non-perishables such as canned beans, canned meat, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, etc. as well as some perishable and refrigerated foods, such as bread, milk, cream cheese and frozen food. Sections are labeled, including an allergy free section.
What kind of personal hygiene products are at the Cupboard?
Personal hygiene products may vary with each visit since the Cupboard is restocked daily. Some examples include shampoo, tooth brush/paste, razors, toilet paper and menstrual products.
What if the Cupboard doesn’t have what I need?
The Cupboard has a feedback form. You can fill it out anonymously, or you can add your email so we can contact you when we stock with your request. Specific requests for food that you would like to see are most useful for us. For example, instead of “more canned vegetables,” specify the type with a request like “more canned corn.”
Is there a limit to how much food or products I can take?
There is no strict limit to how much you can take. We trust you will take what you need and ask that you’re mindful of others who may need to use the Cupboard as well.
Food allergy or dietary restrictions?
The allergy free section of the Cupboard may have what you need. You can use the feedback form to request specific foods in the Cupboard that fit your needs. Please note there are other allergy free foods outside of that section as well.
Once a month, in collaboration with CAS (Cortland Auxiliary Services) are Filled Fridge Fridays. There are sometimes vegetarian or gluten free meals, but it is not guaranteed.
Are there other Cortland community resources to assist with food or hygiene products?
Yes, our webpage lists various resources available to you in and around Cortland.
What if I have more questions?
We’re here to help! You can email us at cortland.cupboard@cortland.edu or call Lauren Scagnelli at 607-753-2066. We also have a Graduate Assistant that works in the Cupboard throughout the day.