Kishwaukee College students in need of a holiday meal received support this week from Kody’s Cupboard Food Pantry.
With Thanksgiving days away, the College’s food pantry, along with assistance from Kishwaukee College Phi Theta Kappa members, organized and distributed Thanksgiving meal starter kits to approximately 40 Kish students on Tuesday. This was the first year the pantry had organized the event.
“Knowing that many students had lost their jobs and are balancing school and home life, we wanted to give them something to look forward to with Thanksgiving coming up,” said Krystal Gundy, Kishwaukee College Coordinator Student Activities. “It was great to hear feedback from students as some of them weren’t sure how they were going to swing Thanksgiving dinner with their immediate families.”
The kits from Kody’s Cupboard will give students a good start. Traditional Thanksgiving nonperishables such as boxed stuffing and potatoes were packed up along with canned vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce. Also included was a $25 Aldi gift card to help cover any other food needs.
Kits were available to any Kish student, including GED and ESL students. To limit interaction during pickup, students were asked to open a trunk or car door to avoid any contact. For students unable to drive to campus, the College did arrange a few porch drop-offs.
“Food insecurities are real and even more prevalent during these days of COVID. When Krystal brought this suggestion to me, I said, ‘Absolutely, what a great idea,’” said Kishwaukee College Vice President of Student Services Michelle Rothmeyer. “We are fortunate to address our students’ needs by offering the opportunity to obtain the Thanksgiving dinner kit from Kody’s Cupboard this year.”
Kody's Cupboard was started in 2019 by the College staff and Board of Trustees to help alleviate hunger and meet basic needs for the Kishwaukee College campus community. This year’s drive was supported with Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) money, which is intended to help overcome barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help assist Kishwaukee College students or to learn more about Kody’s Cupboard and Kish’s food benefits, contact 815-825-9527 or studentlife@kish.edu. Kody’s Cupboard is a year-round effort for students at the College. Donations of nonperishable items can be made to the food pantry and cash donations can be made through the Kishwaukee College Foundation.