One member of The Journal’s Editorial Board holds a position with ASUS. They were not involved in the editing and reporting process of this story.
Ranked as the top university worldwide in addressing food insecurity, Queen’s students have launched initiatives to combat food-related issues. The Arts and Science Undergraduate Society’s (ASUS) Community Cabinet is adding to the charge.
On Aug. 7, ASUS opened their Community Cabinet, an on-campus initiative where students from all faculties can drop off or pick up essential goods like canned food, toiletries, and period products.
The cabinet runs on a ‘take what you need, leave what you can approach,’ ASUS Vice-President (Society Affairs) Helena Shimwell said in an interview with The Journal. This means individuals with essential items can drop them off, giving students in-need free access to necessities.
Located at the ASUS House, 183 University Ave., behind the accessibility ramp, the cabinet will operate year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding reading weeks and holidays.
For the Community Cabinet to get started, ASUS allocated $2,000 from their budget to stock the donation box with essentials. The cabinet will eventually sustain itself through donations and remaining funds will be used to replenish supplies if donations fall short, Shimwell said.
Ongoing efforts are also being made to ensure the Community Cabinet’s longevity, Shimwell explained.
“We’re currently in the process of applying for grants and sponsorships to help us keep the cabinet stocked […] fundraising initiatives on-campus will take place as well, where students can help by donating to the Community Cabinet,” Shimwell said.
ASUS Equity Commissioner Uyanda Mntambo is also working closely on the project. As the equity commissioner, Mntambo is responsible for educating Queen’s students about issues pertaining to social justice as well as setting up important resources such as the Community Cabinet.
The newly introduced ASUS cabinet follows a trend of ‘take what you need’ programs at Queen’s.
A notable example is the ‘Need one? Take One!’ campaign, which tackles the need for menstrual products by using a similar method. This initiative, started by The Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy, led to the purchase of 15,025 menstrual products to stack Stirling Hall with a supply that allows students free access to these essential products for years to come.
With the school year just around the corner, students can contribute to the Community Cabinet by donating non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other essential items.
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