Brandi Abrams

For the first time since its inception, the Captain’s Cupboard faces record low student involvement, and student usage. Created in 2013 by Phi Theta Kappa in response to proven student need, the Captain’s Cupboard has been distributing food to the students of SMCC every semester since. Student involvement began to dwindle last spring, then after graduation, and a few transfers this summer saw only 2 student leaders involved in running the pantry. Due to the dedication of these students, the pantry has been able to maintain limited hours and a limited supply of food.

The Captain’s Cupboard has the potential to help many more students, but they can’t do it without our help. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us at: captainscupboard@smccme.edu

Located on the first floor of the Captain’s House on Southern Maine Community College’s South Portland Campus, the environment is low-key and casual, with a pleasant up-beat din of student meetings and other such happenings in the background. The mission of The Captain’s Cupboard is to provide students with on-campus resources crucial to academic and personal success. Food items are available to all current SMCC students with the only requirement being a valid student ID. There is no income associated requirements, nor is there an approval process to access services; all students are welcome to the resources at the pantry’s disposal.

Patrons of the cupboard “shop” for the products that they will use rather than just being handed a random box of supplies. The “shopper” approach to food assistance is not found at many pantries, but it allows our students to maintain a feeling of respect and dignity while they partake of the available resources. It also eliminates waste, as the student is only taking the items that they like and will use. While the inventory does change, there is generally a mix of non-perishable items obtained from a partnership with The Good Shepard Food Bank, along with prepared food items reclaimed from the food service department, and a sampling of fine dining options prepared by the culinary department on campus.

Since students volunteer to staff and manage the cupboard, helping out is a great way to build a fantastic looking resume. In addition, volunteering at the food pantry is fun affording you the opportunity to meet people and forge lifelong friendships. Leadership opportunities are also available when volunteering at The Captain’s Cupboard. Like most non-profit agencies, The Captain’s Cupboard is governed by a board of directors, each board member focuses on a different aspect of the food pantry and together decisions are made. The student leaders on the board of directors gain practical experience running a humanitarian agency which enriches any area of study. If you would like to help, but leadership isn’t your strong suit, there are still many volunteer opportunities that require very little time.

The Captain’s Cupboard is open from 12-2 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.