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Center for Student Advocacy and Community
cougar cupboard store front

Cougar Cupboard

The Cougar Cupboard is the official on-campus food pantry at the University of Houston, established to address food insecurity and ensure that all enrolled students have consistent access to nutritious food. In partnership with the Houston Food Bank and with the generous support of our donors and sponsors, all students can receive up to 30 lbs. of free supplemental groceries each week.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Registration Information Here How to Use the Cupboard
Fall 2026 Hours and Location

4200 Martin Luther King Blvd, Room R101

The Cougar Cupboard is closed from August 10 to August 23, 2026 in preparation for the new school year.

Mondays Closed
Tuesdays 2pm - 6pm (appointment only)
Wednesdays 2pm - 6pm
Thursdays Closed
Fridays 10am - 2pm
First Saturday of each month 10am - 12pm

We may open on additional days, but it will be on a week-by-week basis. We will email students and post to our Instagram page @uhcupbrd.

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    “I never feel judged or looked down upon for going. I also like that just being a student qualifies you because I do not qualify for other assistance programs but do need some assistance.”

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    “[The Cougar Cupboard] has given me an opportunity to connect with my community. I made some friends in the line for the cupboard, and since we have it in common we tend to go together or tell each other if there is anything new. The cupboard has helped me a lot this year, especially when they gave a gallon of water. Lately there were some problems with the water in Houston ( lack of water or boiling issues), so their help has saved me.”

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    “When I first arrived in the US, I had to survive on oatmeal and nutty bars for approximately 1 month to make ends meet. I feel comfortable saying that my educational performance at Uh has been great so far and that's partly due to the Cougar Cupboard. Since I discovered this resource last October, I never had to worry about running out of food again or having to commute 30 minutes at least to visit a grocery store every week.”

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    "The cupboard really helped me and the people working there are truly selfless individuals. They are always there when I need them and ready to help. I really appreciate that."

Additional Resources

Monetary Donations

We are also more than happy to accept monetary donations! To send a monetary donation, text "Cupboard" to 71-777 or visit our Support Cougar Cupboard fundraiser page. Below is a list of what can be purchased with each donation:

$250 = 450 canned or microwavable meals
$500 = 400 cartons of milk (+ previous items)
$1,000 = 900 bags of rice (+ previous items)
$1,500 = 350 bars of soap & 250 bottles of shampoo (+ previous items)
$2,000 = 300 toothpaste/toothbrush kits + 300 cleaning sprays (+ previous items)
$5,000 = double all previous items, plus extras of most-needed stock
$10,000 = new student worker for one year

If sending a donation by check, checks must be payable to the University of Houston. "Cougar Cupboard" should be added in the memo section.

Physical Donations

The Cougar Cupboard recognizes the vital role that food and nutrition play in supporting our students' health. We are committed to providing nutritious foods to the UH community through a client-choice food pantry model. While we appreciate all donations, certain items align more closely with our commitment to supporting our neighbors.

We are always on the lookout for donations of fresh produce, grains, proteins, and healthy snacks which are both full of nutrients and help to promote heart healthy choices. Contact uhcupbrd@cougarnet.uh.edu to schedule your donation day!

For info on what to donate please click the Donation Brochure below!

Donation Brochure