Ten years of fighting food insecurity at IU Bloomington.
Happy 10th anniversary to Crimson Cupboard!
Fighting food insecurity on campus
Crimson Cupboard offers free, healthy food to IU Bloomington students, staff, and faculty who are struggling with food insecurity. Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. Stocked by donations and staffed by volunteers, this special food pantry lessens the effects of poverty and food insecurity in our community.
How it works
Crimson Cupboard operates on the honor system. We will never ask you for financial information.
When you come to the pantry, let the staff know that it is your first time shopping and they will help you with the simple sign-in form. The staff will also walk you through the shopping process and answer any questions that you may have.
Crimson Cupboard locations
Campus View Apartments
800 N. Union Street
Bloomington, IN 47406
Hours
Monday: 2–6 p.m.
Tuesday: 1–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 2–6 p.m.
Thursday: 2–6 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Indiana Memorial Union
900 E. Seventh Street
Next to the Biddle Hotel lobby
812-855-1924
Hours
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–5 p.m.
Emergency Meal Program
Our Emergency Meal Program is available to students that are struggling with food insecurity. Food insecurity is when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from.
- To receive an emergency meal, students must be registered shoppers at Crimson Cupboard food pantry.
- Student must demonstrate an emergency financial hardship that hinders their ability to purchase food.
- There is a limit of one emergency meal per week with a limit of five meals a semester, per student.
The Office of Student Life stands ready to support your overall IU experience. Please visit our basic needs webpage for additional resources as you navigate your IU journey.
If you have a general question about the emergency meal program, please email cupboard@iu.edu with your full name and inquiry.
Request an emergency meal
Volunteer at the food pantry
Volunteers keep the food pantry running for students in need. If you would like to volunteer your time at the Crimson Cupboard, send us an email at cupboard@iu.edu. We will contact you with training information and opportunities.
Hoosier Foodie Meal Kits
Hoosier Foodie Meal Kits offer a monthly, healthy recipe complete with all the ingredients you need—just add salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Created by a registered dietitian, these kits are designed for busy college students who want to cook nutritious, budget-friendly meals. Whenever possible, ingredients are sourced from local Indiana vendors. Pick up a ready-to-cook kit with a printed recipe each month at the locations below.
Pickup locations and dates
Care and Resource Center (IMU)
- Tuesday, January 27
- Tuesday, February 24
- Tuesday, March 24
- Tuesday, April 21
Campus View Apartments
- Wednesday, January 28
- Wednesday, February 25
- Wednesday, March 25
- Wednesday, April 22
Donate to the food pantry
Food donations
If you would like to make a food donation or set up a food drive on behalf of Crimson Cupboard, please email us at cupboard@iu.edu.
Monetary donations
Donations to the Crimson Cupboard will go directly to helping students who are food insecure. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Crimson Cupboard, please email us at cupboard@iu.edu or make a gift to the IU Foundation’s Crimson Cupboard Fund.
