Crimson Cupboard Food Pantry

Fighting food insecurity on campus

Crimson Cupboard offers free, healthy food to IU Bloomington students, staff, and faculty who are struggling with food insecurity. Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. Stocked by donations and staffed by volunteers, this special food pantry lessens the effects of poverty and food insecurity in our community.

How it works

Crimson Cupboard operates on the honor system. We will never ask you for financial information.

When you come to the pantry, let the staff know that it is your first time shopping and they will help you with the simple sign-in form. The staff will also walk you through the shopping process and answer any questions that you may have.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Events

Monday, Nov. 18
5–6 p.m.
IMU Dogwood Room

Learn how to use Narcan with the Indiana Recovery Alliance and Student Wellness.

Tuesday, Nov. 19
12–3 p.m.
Crimson Cupboard

November recipe now available: Vegetarian Chili!

Wednesday, Nov. 20
4 p.m.
Union Street Center, Cedar Hall, BLAC C116

Learn strategies to better care for yourself and others.

Emergency Meal Program

Our Emergency Meal Program is available to students that are struggling with food insecurity. Food insecurity is when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from.

  • To receive an emergency meal, students must be registered shoppers at Crimson Cupboard food pantry.
  • Student must demonstrate an emergency financial hardship that hinders their ability to purchase food.
  • There is a limit of one emergency meal per week with a limit of five meals a semester, per student.

The Office of Student Life stands ready to support your overall IU experience. Please visit our basic needs webpage for additional resources as you navigate your IU journey.

If you have a general question about the emergency meal program, please email cupboard@iu.edu with your full name and inquiry.

Request an emergency meal

Volunteer at the food pantry

Volunteers keep the food pantry running for students in need. If you would like to volunteer your time at the Crimson Cupboard, send us an email at cupboard@iu.edu. We will contact you with training information and opportunities.

Donate to the food pantry

Food donations

If you would like to make a food donation or set up a food drive on behalf of Crimson Cupboard, please email us at cupboard@iu.edu.

Monetary donations

Donations to the Crimson Cupboard will go directly to helping students who are food insecure. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Crimson Cupboard, please email us at cupboard@iu.edu or make a gift to the IU Foundation’s Crimson Cupboard Fund.

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