Frequently Asked Questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Campus Kitchen is situated in Lupton Hall, in the Lower Quad of Auburn University, facing Roosevelt Concourse, and adjacent to the Campus Food Pantry. Directions can be found here.
Campus Kitchen is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity at Auburn University and in the Auburn/Opelika community. To achieve this goal, we repurpose surplus food from dining halls and on-campus organizations, package it into individualized meals, and distribute it to those in need. Campus Kitchen also educates and engages the community on issues related to food insecurity and food waste, with the ultimate goal of establishing a stronger, more sustainable food system that provides access to nutritious food for everyone.
Meals are distributed to community members facing food insecurity, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, children in after-school programs, and local families. CKAU partners with various local organizations to ensure that meals reach those who may benefit most, with no specific eligibility requirements for individuals referred through these partners. CKAU strives to serve all in need, fostering a supportive and accessible network for the community.
Campus Kitchen offers pickup, packaging, and delivery shifts throughout the week. You can find available shifts and sign up for them by visiting our AUInvolve page. The shifts are typically flexible and can accommodate various schedules, allowing you to choose the ones that work best for you. Volunteering your time with Campus Kitchen is a meaningful way to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity in the Auburn/Opelika community and at Auburn University.
Campus Kitchen is authorized to collect surplus food from dining halls and on-campus organizations. The specific types of food we can pick up depend on what is available and being served at the dining halls and on-campus events. Generally, Campus Kitchen can collect a variety of perishable and non-perishable foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and canned goods. However, the food must be unserved and in excess of what is needed by the dining halls or on-campus organizations. It cannot have been on the serving line or served to guests, and it must be unused, unopened, with all packaging intact, and within the expiration date. This ensures that the food is safe for consumption and meets health and safety regulations. Once the unserved food is collected, our team follows food handling and safety procedures to ensure it is safe to eat and ready for distribution to those in need in the Auburn/Opelika community and at Auburn University.
There are multiple ways to get involved with Campus Kitchen and support its mission. Some of the options available include:
- Volunteer: Sign up for one-hour shifts to assist with various tasks such as picking up food, packaging meals, and delivering meals to those in need. You can choose the frequency of your volunteering based on your availability.
- Spread the word: You can raise awareness about Campus Kitchen and its mission by sharing information about the organization on social media or by communicating with others about it.
- Donate: Donate surplus food from events hosted by your organization or contribute money to support our operations.
- Coordinate a group shift: If you are part of an organization, you can organize a group shift with Campus Kitchen. This provides an excellent opportunity to build teamwork while also giving back to the community.
The Auburn Family Meals (AFM) program is a meal distribution initiative designed to provide free and nutritious meals to Auburn University students experiencing food insecurity. The program is located in Lupton Hall and is administered by Campus Kitchen and caters to the dietary requirements and preferences of participating students. The program is also confidential, ensuring that students receive meals without fear of judgement or stigma. The AFM program is a crucial resource for students who are facing financial difficulties and provides much-needed support to those in need.
This program runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
To become a shift leader at Campus Kitchen, we recommend following these steps:
- Gain experience: Before becoming a shift leader, it is important to have volunteering experience with Campus Kitchen. We suggest signing up for regular volunteer shifts to become familiar with our organization's procedures and goals.
- Express interest: Let our team know that you are interested in becoming a shift leader. We will be happy to provide you with more information about the position.
- Apply: When shift leader applications open, we encourage you to apply! No prior leadership or community service experience is required.
- Interview: If your application is successful, you will be invited to interview for the shift leader position. Be prepared to discuss why you would be a good fit for the role.
- Attend shift leader training: If selected as a shift leader, you will be required to attend training to learn more about the responsibilities and expectations of the position.
If you are interested in donating to Campus Kitchen, there are a variety of ways to get involved. Here are the steps to follow:
- Make a financial donation: You can make a financial donation using a credit card or other online payment methods.
- Donate food or supplies: If you have surplus food from an event or organization that you would like to donate to Campus Kitchen, you can email us at theckau@gmail.com to coordinate a pickup. We accept non-perishable and perishable foods, as long as the food is still safe to eat and has not passed its expiration date. Please note that perishable food items must be stored at proper temperatures prior to pick-up to ensure food safety.
Remember that every little bit helps, and even a small donation can make a big difference in the lives of those who are food insecure. Thank you for considering a donation to Campus Kitchen!
