Every day, UNH students face unexpected hardships. For these students, it may mean the difference between making it to class or making it to their next meal. We are committed to the success of the whole student, providing essential resources so that students don’t have to choose between their academic career or providing for their basic needs.
Since bringing these challenges to light, we have been amazed by the support of campus and community partners just like you. Together, we are able to provide critical and immediate support for students facing unforeseen emergencies. Whether through financial donations, physical donations or through volunteer opportunities we appreciate you supporting our Basic Needs programs!
Donate Goods
Donate Food or organize a food drive
Support the Cat's Cupboard by donating food or organizing a food drive. Items donated are to be in good condition (please avoid items in glass containers for safety and transport) and dropped off to Cats' Cupboard during open hours only. Please contact cats.cupboard@unh.edu for interest in creating a food or item drive, or for inquiries about specific wish list items that may be needed.
The Cupboard can always use items such as reusable shopping bags, paper bags, toiletries, detergents (laundry or dish), spices, oils, eggs, Halal or kosher meats/foods, fruits and vegetables and easy to grab snacks.
Visit the Cats' Cupboard Amazon Wish List to purchase items and have them shipped to us!
Support the UNH Manchester Food Pantry by donating food or organizing a food drive. Items donated are to be in good condition (please avoid items in glass containers for safety and transport). Please contact UNHM.Foodpantry@unh.edu for interest in creating a food or item drive, or for inquiries about specific wish list items that may be needed.
Visit the Manchester Food Pantry Amazon Wish List to purchase items and have them shipped directly to the pantry!
Donate extra meal swipes to Swipe it Forward
Consider donating your swipes to Swipe it Forward by contacting the ID Office.
Donate Household Supplies through Trash 2 Treasure
Trash 2 Treasure (T2T) is a Sustainability Institute program powered by students with the mission of assisting students, UNH and the local community in reducing waste. T2T’s main initiative is to run the annual spring move-out collection and fall Move-in weekend sale, significantly reducing unnecessary landfill waste and providing families with back-to-school savings. The official collection period is in May from the first day of Finals to the day after commencement. Visit the Sustainability website for more information about how to donate.
Volunteer
Volunteer with the Food Repurposing Program
UNH has partnered with Gather to repurpose rescued wholesome food. UNH and Gather’s collaboration will take extra food from UNH dining halls, Gather, local farmers and other food that would otherwise go to waste, and repurpose it into nutritious meals that are available to those in the community of need of food. Sign up through Gather to volunteer today!
Volunteer to support Trash 2 Treasure
Would you like to make a difference in campus sustainability culture while also making a difference for students? Come help Trash2Treasure (T2T) as we operate for our Fall Sale. T2T aims to help students get their back-to-school items at a low cost while also promoting a culture of reuse on campus. During these volunteer days volunteers will help students check-out while also helping the sale run smoothly.
Sign up using the link above to volunteer with the Cats' Cupboard or contact cats.cupboard@unh.edu for more information. Volunteer tasks may include loading or unloading food deliveries, stocking shelves, and other opportunities as needed.
Make a Financial Gift
The Basic Needs programs are emergency supports and resources that can help students face unanticipated challenges. Many of our UNH students are facing what feels like insurmountable odds as they work to complete their degrees, often working multiple jobs, taking care of family or making significant sacrifices just to get by. All financial gifts go directly to supporting student basic needs and can provide some much needed support allowing students to focus on their education.
Donate to the Student Basic Needs Programs
In the 2023-2024 academic year,
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531 students received support through Student Emergency Financial Assistance, Swipe it Forward, Laptop Loaner and the Inn-Between Fund.
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2,645 meal swipes were provided through Swipe it Forward
- 14,777.58 pounds of food were provided through the Cat's Cupboard
- 10,276 pounds of food were repurposed and donated through the Food Repurposing Program (2022-2023)
