The Haven Cupboard food pantry to host Open House in new location
LOCK HAVEN, PA – Commonwealth University-Lock Haven will open its doors at a new location on Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the East Campus Science Center in the space formerly occupied by the NanoBites eatery.
NanoBites recently closed permanently at the end of the Spring 2023 semester. In August, knowing the space would be vacant this Fall, three of The Haven Cupboard student staff, Allison Dezanet, Madison Buxton and Olivia Hanna, presented an idea to senior leadership at CU-Lock Haven to request that The Haven Cupboard utilize the space.
“As many of our students and donors are aware, the space we are currently in is too small,” said Dr. Amy Downes, associate vice president of student success and campus life and Haven Cupboard director. “This move will allow us to better serve the over 125 students who utilize our program weekly.”
Students, faculty, staff and the Lock Haven community are invited to an open house event on Monday, Oct. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the new location, 340 W. Main St. Light refreshments will be served.
Through conversations between The Haven Cupboard student staff and their fellow students on additional ways to utilize the large space, another exciting opportunity presented itself. In the Spring of 2024, The Haven Hangout will open for CU-students within the same location. The Haven Hangout will provide space for students to study, brew their own coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and there also will be microwaves available for student use.
The Haven Cupboard opened its doors in October 2019, when students identified concerns about food insecurity on campus.
“I am honored to continue to oversee this vital program and am so proud of the student team who has continued to find ways to help support their peers,” Downes said.
“It’s wonderful to see The Haven Cupboard continue to grow and evolve in the way it serves students,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University president. “I’m incredibly thankful for the dedication of our staff, faculty and students who pour their hearts into the Cupboard and offer this vital resource to our Lock Haven student community.”
Donations will be accepted during the open house. Other ways to contribute include:
• Drop off donations during open hours – Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. and Thursdays 1-2 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.
• Make a financial contribution to The Haven Cupboard through the Lock Haven University Foundation at www.givetolhu.com (in the designation section select “Other” from the drop-down list, a white box will appear, type “Haven Cupboard” in the box) or place a check (made payable to LHUF-Haven Cupboard) in inter-office mail to the LHU Foundation.
• Shop The Haven Cupboard’s Amazon wish list at Haven Cupboard Wish List.
