In their efforts to address food insecurity and clothing needs among Wittenberg University students, Campus Cupboard and Witt Wardrobe will now share the same location at 721 N. Fountain Avenue adjacent to the Joseph C. Shouvlin Center for Lifelong Learning

A vital resource for students in need, Campus Cupboard, which offers free food and hygiene items, seeks to break down financial barriers associated with college life and help provide all students with the same opportunities despite their financial status. Witt Wardrobe, previously known as Witt Fitz, provides a range of free clothing with the same passion and commitment as Campus Cupboard.

Initially established in the fall of 2018, the Campus Cupboard began as a single small cupboard in Weaver Chapel where students could stop to get needed items. In just a few short years, the Campus Cupboard has become a well-recognized and fast-growing feature on campus.

According to Deacon Dan Jacob, "in the fall of 2020, the Campus Cupboard received the green light to set up a full pantry in the former Food Co-op space at 721 N. Fountain Ave." With the acquisition of a dedicated space, student volunteers worked hard to convert it into a fully functioning food pantry, a feat they accomplished in less than a month. The original Little Cupboard, which offers a small selection of food and hygiene supplies, remains in Weaver Chapel.

Witt Fitz began just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when students and faculty from the department of education and the Student Advisory Board collaborated with Daniel Lofton, a 2019 Wittenberg graduate working as a coordinator with AmeriCorps and Ohio Campus Connect, to create a clothing resource for students in need. The end result was the establishment of an entirely free clothing closet for Wittenberg students operating out of Blair Hall. Witt Fitz provided primarily formal business wear that students may not have access to for interviews, internships, and more.

After the Campus Cupboard was moved to its new space, the decision was made to merge it with Witt Fitz to create a one-stop-shop for Wittenberg students' food and clothing needs. With the help of funding from the education department, the merge was completed and a new service, now called Witt Wardrobe, has been successfully integrated into the Campus Cupboard.

"I believe this merge is important because it has combined two very useful and underappreciated resources on campus. This will hopefully bring to light the existence of both of these resources on campus and get more students to check them out," says Gabrielle Doty, class of 2023 from Northfield, Ohio, and one of the key student leaders who worked on the merge. She encourages all students to take advantage of the services offered at Campus Cupboard.

"Regardless of your economic standings, this is a resource for all students and should be used to its fullest potential," she said.

Campus Cupboard is open 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. All students are welcome to walk in, browse the selection, and take anything they like. No prior appointment is necessary, and the only information students must provide is their name or student ID number. Any changes in hours are posted on Campus Cupboard's website.

Food donations are accepted Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Weaver Chapel offices. Current items needed include shelf-stable foods such as canned goods, pasta, and soup. An updated list of items as well as an Amazon wish list are always available at Campus Cupboard's Facebook page. Notifications of clothing drives will be sent via campus email and posted through Campus Cupboard’s Facebook and Instagram (wittcampuscupboard).

On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Campus Cupboard hosted the Little Free Pantry Painting Project from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chapel Lawn Tent. It’s newest project of creating and installing Little Free Pantries, once complete they will be placed around Springfield to help address food insecurity.

Students interested in volunteering with Campus Cupboard are encouraged to fill out the volunteer interest form. 

-By Isabella M. Fiorito ’23