How to Help | Carolina Cupboard

Without volunteers and assistance from our community, Carolina Cupboard would not be able to serve those in need. There are many ways that people in and outside of the Carolina community can help support CC in our mission to fight food insecurity on our campus.

Below are opportunities for students and student/department groups:

Apply to be a Executive Board Member: The executive members work closely together to come up with overarching aims and goals for the year, but on a whole, we strive to educate, empower, and engage others on social justice issues relating to food poverty and food insecurity. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open at the end of February.

Apply to be a Shift Leader: At the beginning of each semester, we accept applications for volunteers. Volunteer positions are a semester long commitment, a further explanation can be seen below. While our applications are currently closed, they will reopen in August for our Fall semester shift leader positions. Join our GroupMe and HeelLife to stay up to date on other volunteer opportunities and club events.

Food Sorting: Food dating at the food pantry are the best ways to volunteer when we anticipate large donations. These activities are perfect for groups sized 2-10 people. If your group would like to volunteer, please email carolinacupboard@gmail.com with multiple dates. These sessions are outside of our operating hours to maintain the privacy of our guests.

Host a Food Drive: Organizing food drives in your residence halls, clubs, organizations, or even local churches is a great way to help those in need in our community. Oftentimes, groups will sort the items they have collect, giving everyone a chance to contribute! If you would like to host a food drive or have any questions or concerns regarding the logistics, please email us at carolinacupboard@gmail.com.

Explanation of Our Roles:

Shift Leaders staff the pantry by committing to at a minimum an hour a week through the duration of the semester. To enable us to open on FDOC each semester, we publish the SL application early for those that have confirmed schedules and can commit beginning on FDOC. That is the schedule we have been operating throughout January. The second SL application that came out mid-January and that schedule begins on Monday, 2/2 and is for the remainder of the Spring ’26 semester. There is an opportunity to pick up shifts that need coverage or volunteer on wellbeing days even if you are not a SL this semester. SLs are exempt from volunteering on University breaks and holidays but are otherwise expected to show up at their assigned time. SLs are allowed 2 excused absences for emergencies.

We understand that not everyone is able to make this commitment. Our other role within the organization is members, who are required to attend a minimum of three events each semester. Members are students interested in contributing to our cause by attending monthly GBMs, taking part in committee meetings, volunteering for tabling events, etc.

We ask that before agreeing to be a SL, you evaluate the time commitment you are able to make to the cupboard. Because we rely on students to operate our pantry, a resource Tar Heels in need depend on, we need volunteers that are dedicated and align with our mission. We greatly appreciate any and all contributions to our organization and thank you all for supporting us in ensuring that no Tar Heel goes hungry! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about getting involved with us!