SwipeOutHunger_Jacks Cupboard
Free, On-Campus Food Pantry

Our goal is to alleviate food insecurity among SDSU students by providing food and personal care items to Jackrabbits who need them.

Volunteers: Staff can volunteer for the spring semester at Jack's Cupboard. Volunteer responsibilities include assisting shoppers with checkout, distributing freezer items and items in the glass cabinet to shoppers, and completing opening and closing tasks.

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Hours of Operation
Fall 2025

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m.

**Students can shop at Jack's Cupboard once a week. Items you get from the cupboard should supply you for a week.

 

Hours are subject to change due to weather, holiday breaks and at the beginning of a new semester. Check back here for updates on hours of operation.

Jacks Cupboard Building
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Jack's Cupboard
How It Works
  • When you visit, bring your current student ID and a reusable bag to hold your items. If you don't have a bag, you can request one at the front desk.
  • You then shop from the shelves. Please only take what you would use for the week and follow any posted signs.
  • After shopping, check out at the front desk. You will be asked to scan your student ID, and a volunteer at the desk will weigh your items.

Once you have checked out, you're good to go!

Students can come to the cupboard once a week.

Donations

If you would like to make a monetary donation to Jack's Cupboard, you can do so online through the South Dakota State University Foundation.

What to Donate

Recommended donation items are listed below:

  • Blocks of cheese, cream cheese and butter
  • Frozen products such as pizzas, frozen dinners and meat options
  • Canned soup or bagged soup mixes
  • Pasta and pasta sauces
  • Bread, rice and other grains
  • Evaporated, powdered and boxed milk
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Dried fruits
  • Cereal and oatmeal
  • Canned chicken and canned tuna
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Condiments
  • Prepackaged snack items
  • Cake, brownie and pancake mixes
  • Baking items (baking soda, baking powder, salt, etc.)
  • Personal care items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, tampons, pads, shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.)

Please note: Donated food must be prepackaged items that are shelf-stable or can be frozen.

Where to Donate

Donations are accepted at Jack's Cupboard during hours of operation, the Housing and Residential Life Office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the University Student Union during hours of operation, or at the University Police Department (24/7).

If you have a large donation, please contact sdsu.jackscupboard@sdstate.edu to set up a drop-off time.

Organizing a Donation Drive

Student organizations and community members can organize donation drives to benefit Jack's Cupboard. If you plan to organize one, please contact sdsu.jackscupboard@sdstate.edu to let us know. We will answer any questions you may have and coordinate a drop-off time for donations once your drive is complete.

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Location
Ben Reifel Hall

The interactive map allows users to plot directions between buildings and show locations of highlighted features and services across the SDSU campus. Click on the link below to direct you to the SDSU interactive map.

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Meals
Food Recovery Network

Food Recovery Network is a nationally affiliated organization that recovers leftover food from campus partners and donates it to nonprofits fighting food insecurity, diverting this food from the landfill. Since the organization’s founding in 2019, Food Recovery Network volunteers have saved over 1,500 pounds of fresh food and transported it in reusable containers to nonprofits at SDSU.

Meals are available for pickup at Jack’s Cupboard during operating hours (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.)

If you are interested in fighting food waste and improving campus sustainability by volunteering with SDSU Food Recovery Network, or have questions, contact our Instagram: @sdstatefrn.

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Block Meals
Swipe Out Hunger

If you are facing food insecurity and are short of block meals at Larson Commons, learn how you can either donate meal block or apply for additional block through the Swipe Out Hunger program.

Note, this program lasts all year.

Upcoming Events
Jacks Cupboard annual thanksgiving drive poster with QR code
Annual Thanksgiving Meal Distribution

Date: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Location: University Student Union, Hobo Day Gallery/Campanile Room

Contact us
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Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Physical Address
1015 Campanile Ave.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
SAD 312, Box 2201
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.