Corky’s Cupboard will be getting more space to operate thanks to a recent grant awarded to the local food pantry.
Corky’s Cupboard recently announced that thanks to $25,000 in SPARK funding allocated through Lyon County it will be expanding its space inside the ESU Memorial Union. The additional space will not only provide more room for volunteers and students, but it will also allow the pantry to expand its food offerings to students.
In a recent news release, Blythe Eddy, director of student activities and community service, says this will include offering students fresh produce and meats in addition to other foods.
The expansion comes at a time where ESU is traditionally in the throws of competition with Washburn University to see which school can pack their pantry. The competition has traditionally ended with the losing university’s President and Vice-President receiving a pie to the face.
However; with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the universities have decided to unite their forces for a new campaign known as Can COVID. Items being sought through the campaign include peanut butter, beans, nuts, canned meats, canned or dried fruits and vegetables, applesauce, pasta rice, cereal, boxed meals or mixes and cooking supplies.
All donations to the campaign can be taken to the Center for Student Involvement inside the ESU Memorial Union. Financial donations are also welcome and can be made online by visiting justgiving.com/campaign/cancovid.
In addition to these exciting developments, Emporia at the Table, also known as the EAT Initiative, is asking all residents to participate in the upcoming World Food Day. According to Jasmine Linabary, assistant professor in Communication and Theatre and co-founder of the EAT Initiative, World Food Day is an annual international day of action to create stronger and more sustainable food systems.
World Food Day is Friday. For ideas or suggestions on how you can get involved visit Emporia.edu/eat. The EAT Initiative has also partnered with the Emporia Arts Council and Lyon County Food and Farm Council to create an online art exhibit of “food art” for the day.
You can view the exhibit on the Emporia Arts Council’s Facebook page.
