Stocking up: Louie’s Cupboard receives $10,000 from Fry’s to support NAU community

Louie's Cupboard and Fry's representatives pose with check

Northern Arizona University’s food pantry, Louie’s Cupboard, received a $10,000 donation from Fry’s Food Stores as part of Kroger’s Zero Hunger| Zero Waste social impact plan. The donation will help fund an additional 70,000 meals to the NAU community.

Louie’s Cupboard, established in 2012, is a student-run organization created from a class project geared toward social movement. It now serves hundreds of students, staff and faculty through biweekly food distributions. It provides both perishable and nonperishable food items and resources to those struggling with the expenses of college and food costs.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more students, faculty and staff have relied on the free on-campus resource to meet their food needs.

“We recognize the important work Louie’s Cupboard is doing to combat food insecurity on campus, and we are honored to partner with them to serve the Northern Arizona University community,” said Monica Garnes, president of Fry’s Food Stores. “We understand that food insecurity on college campuses is an important issue, and Fry’s is committed to eradicating it so students can focus on their education.”

The purpose of Kroger’s Zero Hunger| Zero Waste social impact plan is to end hunger in communities and eliminate waste across the company by 2025. The donation was awarded through the Kroger’s Zero Hunger| Zero Waste Foundation, a public charity funded to address the 40 percent of food that is thrown away even though many Americans struggle with hunger.

The donation will support the efforts of Louie’s Cupboard and help prevent hunger by providing healthier food options to those in need, including fruits and vegetables in addition to canned items and toiletries.

“Over the years and throughout the pandemic, we have seen the direct impact Louie’s Cupboard has on our NAU and northern Arizona communities,” NAU president Rita Cheng said. “This food pantry supports our students’ needs and provides the stability and resources they require to thrive in their education. We are so grateful that Fry’s Food Stores saw the positive impact of Louie’s Cupboard on our campus, and their donation will allow us to continue providing this resource to students and community members for years to come.”

To volunteer, donate or request food items, visit the Louie’s Cupboard webpage and follow it on Facebook and Instagram.