Advertising student creates Cougar Cupboard to fight food insecurity among students

On March 25, Samuel Haggard, senior in the BYU advertising program, built a free community food pantry located south of the BYU campus called the Cougar Cupboard. The project was inspired by his own struggles with food insecurity as a BYU student.

I learned that in BYU, one third of college students suffer from food insecurity so I thought it would be cool to do something about it, Haggard said.

The food pantry came into fruition during Haggards senior capstone project in the advertising program.

Over my time at BYU, I've been pretty involved in the BYUSA and the student Advisory Council and helping improve campus, and for my capstone in advertising we were set out to do something for good (for the community), Haggard explained.

Such clubs, classes and organizations give students leadership opportunities. They fulfill the purposes reinforced by BYUs education motivation for students to enter to learn about both spiritual and secular matters and go forth to serve those in every corner of the world.

According to Feeding America, one-seventh of people in Utah face hunger. In Utah county, members in the community are continually working together to raise and donate money towards providing fresh meals, care and other resources to those facing food insecurity and seeking assistance.

Samuel Haggard experienced the trials of food insecurity upon his acceptance into a BYU internship program in Portugal. Despite acquiring the sufficient funds for the program, Haggard recounts that he struggled with the added costs of food in Portugal.

I did an internship with Portugal, non-paid internship with the university. It was amazing, but I totally overlooked the cost of it, Haggard said.

I had enough money to go, but there was the cost of the of the program, and the cost of living in Portugal, and then there was the cost of food in Portugal and then there was the cost of my rent in Provo and then there was the cost of not working, Haggard continued.

As a result, he relied on discounted food from bakeries and grocery stores to get through the summer months. In addition to this, he recounted the stress of scrambling to sell his car in Utah while abroad in order to cover his rent fees.

Selling my car I think it gave me 1000 or 1500 so I think that went directly to my rent in Provo, Haggard said.

Through this experience however, Haggard shared that he obtained a greater sense of compassion for those struggling with food insecurity, specifically college students like himself, and felt prompted to come up with a solution.

That summer was rough and that opened my eyes a bit. I guess it was just an issue that I had understood and that I think is pretty important to address, Haggard said.

A 2020 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that about 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity. Among those affected, a majority reported repeatedly eating less than they should or skipping meals because they could not afford enough food.

The report also highlighted gaps in support systems, noting that despite resources such as food banks and federal assistance programs, many students are not receiving aid. According to the findings, about 59% of food-insecure students who were potentially eligible for SNAP benefits did not report receiving them.

At BYU, students who are facing challenges with meeting the needs for housing and food are encouraged to stop by the Dean of Students office. There students meet with an advisor to assess their needs and receive assistance.

Kyle Slaughter is a senior consultant at the BYU Dean of Students office and discussed food insecurities.

We are happy to talk with any and all students who feel like they are facing a hard time. There are a lot of different resources we can connect students with that can help them through challenges, financial or otherwise," Slaughter said.

Slaughter addressed that some students avoid getting help with food insecurity because they feel embarrassed.

Students are often uncomfortable at the prospect of discussing their needs. They can feel isolated, like they are the only one who is facing challenges or for whom school 'just isnt working out,'" Slaughter said.

However, food insecurity and financial issues are common for students in general.

You are certainly not alone in facing financial challenges, Slaughter said.

Students are also encouraged to meet with their local bishop to receive aid through faith-based organizations such as the bishop's storehouse, which is organized through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The impact from food donations and services from The Church of Jesus Christ through Helping Hands is felt across the globe and from communities outside of the faith.

Haggard's project is focused on making an impact locally. The Cougar Cupboard is located at 707 N 600 E ST in Provo, Utah. The cupboard contains non-perishable food and other items such as feminine hygiene products for BYU students and other community members in need.

Haggard explained that although his efforts to collaborate with grocery stores and other local organizations to help stock his small pantry were unsuccessful, the Cougar Cupboard stays stocked by the help of community donations.

Such donations, both physical items and money donations have helped to satisfy immediate and hyperacute needs for busy BYU students.

Let's say I don't have breakfast in the morning and you can't just go (to a food bank) right that moment, that's where the (pantry) satisfies that need of a super hyper acute or immediate need of someone who didn't have breakfast or lunch (that day), Haggard explained.

Similarly, Tabithas Way, a well known community resource center, is also supported by its community members. Jordan McDonald, administrative assistant at Tabitha's Way, explained, "We envision establishing No Hunger Zones throughout Utah County by encouraging communities to take ownership of the problem of hunger.

"A No Hunger Zone exists when a community takes responsibility to proactively resolve food insecurity for a minimum of 3 consecutive years," McDonald said.

The Cougar Cupboard, similar to these organizations, is determined to end food insecurity one place at a time. Haggard hopes that with the help of the community, his cupboard will continue to flourish and help students in need of support.

No one deserves to go hungry, McDonald said.

To learn about available resources or donate to the various causes, visit the following websites for more information.

https://www.instagram.com/cougarcupboard/

https://tabithasway.org/

https://foodandhousinginsecurity.byu.edu/

https://foodandcare.org/