Making Ends Meet
You are here because you want an education. It’s hard to focus and be your best in the classroom when you are worried about the basics — food, shelter, and just getting by. If you need help meeting these needs, we are here for you.
We are pleased to offer the following help and services:
- Cardinal Cupboard — Campus Food Shelf
Our food shelf was created to meet the ever-growing needs of our campus community. Our goal is to help eliminate food insecurity on campus by providing access to students, faculty and staff.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide an open and welcoming space to ensure that no campus member goes hungry. To foster a sense of community which allows opportunities for students, volunteers and the campus at large to contribute to those in need.
Food Shelf Access
- Order: View options and instructions Cardinal Cupboard Order Form
- Pickup Location: Angell College Center, Room 112 (back of Burghy’s Den)
- Hours: Orders may be placed any time. After an order has been filled you will receive an email detailing your pick-up instructions.
- Supply: We have non-perishable food items and toiletries available free of charge
Additional Resources
- Find Food from the Why Hunger network
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Nutrition Outreach & Education Assistance Program (NOEP)
- Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC)
- Campus dietitian
Want to Help? View“Feed a Cardinal” Suggested Donation List
- Interview Clothes — Career Closet
Dress for success. We offer clothing in good condition that can help you land that job without breaking your wallet.
- Location: Career Development Center, 118 Angell College Center
- Supply: We have professional clothing available free of charge
- For more information, contact the Career Development Center
- Student Emergency Assistance Program
SUNY Plattsburgh wants to help you achieve your dream of a college education and that may mean helping you overcome unexpected hurdles. The purpose of the Emergency Assistance Program is to help you meet critical, unexpected needs that may arise during your time at SUNY Plattsburgh, which impact your ability to continue the completion of your college degree. Please know that the more thoroughly you can describe the emergency, the better we will be able to assist you in the manner most appropriate for your circumstances. The Student Emergency Assistance Program is a conglomeration of services and may or may not result in monetary assistance, known as an emergency grant, being provided directly to the student.
Eligibility
- Must be pursuing a degree at SUNY Plattsburgh in a full time, matriculated course of study.
- Have a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Not be involved in a student conduct case that could result in suspension or dismissal from the University
- Must provide documentation/proof of expenses to support emergency need, if applicable.
Grants are made based on individual circumstances but generally a student must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA (Federal Application for Free Student Aid) form. If a student has not/will not complete the FAFSA, they must provide proof of family income or of the extenuating circumstances that are impacting their ability to meet expenses.
Emergency grant funds are extremely limited and students should apply for only what is needed. Sometimes a need can be covered by other than monetary means and the staff of the program will work closely with the student to be sure that they are receiving the assistance they need in the most efficient manner possible to ensure fullest utilization of all resources.
What is Not Covered by the Emergency Assistance Program
- Tuition and fees
- Long-term expenses such as mortgages or auto loans
- Credit card debt
What May Be Covered by the Emergency Assistance Program
- Utility bills
- Emergency travel
- School supplies
- Emergency childcare
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Emergency car repairs
- Unexpected damage or stolen property
- Homelessness
- Domestic violence
How to Apply
Students who meet the above criteria can apply by completing the application link below. Be sure to attach all documentation regarding your estimated expenses (e.g., car repair estimate, utility bill). For those who do NOT have a FAFSA on file for the current academic year, please attach proof of current family income. Please note that you may be called for additional information or to discuss possible resolution of your request.
- Housing Insecurity Assistance
If you are experiencing homelessness, there are resources available on and off-
campus to help secure housing and remove barriers on your path to earning your degree.SUNY Plattsburgh provides a homeless liaison to support students in need by
collaborating with essential offices on campus to deliver confidential wrap-around support (financial aid, Campus Housing and Community Living, Student Health and Counseling Center, and services from the community that include federal, state, and local benefits).
Donations Gladly Accepted!
Our food and clothing shelves depend on the generous donations of our community. If you would like to contribute, please read more below.
- Food & Self-Care Donations
We are only able to accept non-perishable foods, self-care items, and occasionally cooking utensils, can-openers, and pots/pans.
View the current “Feed a Cardinal” Suggested Donation List
Food Pantry Items
- Dry or canned pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Canned vegetables (with pop tops)
- Canned chicken, spam, tuna or salmon
- Boxed dinners or microwavable dinners
- Cereal
- Rice
- Cereal bars or Pop Tarts™
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Canned soups or dry soup mixes
- Microwavable macaroni and cheese or ravioli
- Juice
- Shelf stable milk
- Snack size:
- fruit
- applesauce
- crackers
- granola bars
- trail mix
- on the go snacks
Personal Care Items
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Menstrual products
- Toilet paper
- Body soap
- Basic cleaning supplies
We occasionally accept cooking utensils, can openers, or pots and pans.
Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in 112 Angell College Center (back of Burghy's Den)
Over college breaks, or outside of office hours, students may contact University Police to gain access to the pantry.
- Monetary or Gift Card Donations
Cash donations to the food shelf or emergency fund are gladly accepted in the Student Outreach and Support Office, Angell College Center, back of Burghy’s Den. Gift cards in small increments are very helpful for students who stay in town during school breaks when the office may not be open.
Checks should be made out to “SUNY Plattsburgh” with “Food Shelf” in the memo.
Donations in excess of $100 should be made on behalf of the Cardinal Cupboard Food Shelf through the College Foundation.