Student Advocacy and Support and the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska are seeking donations of new and gently used kitchen items to help students furnish their first apartments and off-campus homes.
Many students begin the academic year without the basic kitchen supplies needed to prepare meals. Purchasing cookware, dishes and small appliances can be an unexpected expense on top of tuition, rent, books and other living costs.
To help reduce that financial burden, Student Advocacy and Support and ASUN will host a Kitchen Essentials Pop-Up Shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 17 in the City Union, where students can pick up free kitchen items to help establish their homes and prepare affordable meals.
Faculty and staff are invited to donate new or gently used kitchen items Aug. 3-7 and Aug. 10-12. Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Office of Student Advocacy and Support, Louise Pound Hall, Room 205.
Organizers are seeking clean, ready-to-use items, including pots, pans, baking sheets, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, cooking utensils, can openers, blenders, silverware and small appliances such as slow cookers, air fryers, rice cookers, Instant Pots and toasters. Donations may come from homes, garage sales, thrift stores or be purchased new.
Transfer students, graduate students, international students, student parents and students experiencing financial hardship may especially benefit from the initiative. Can openers are particularly helpful because lower-cost canned foods often do not have pull-tab lids.
Organizers are not accepting microwaves, micro-fridges, toaster ovens, stained or heavily worn items, unwashed or damaged items, or items with strong odors.
Each donated item can help a student prepare affordable meals, create a welcoming home and begin the semester with one less financial barrier.
