At Loyola, social justice begins within our own community. Iggy’s Cupboard exists to ensure that every student, staff member, and faculty member has access to the basic resources they need to live, learn, and thrive with dignity.
Rooted in the Jesuit value of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, Iggy’s Cupboard reflects Loyola’s commitment to solidarity and mutual care by responding to the immediate needs of our campus community.
Located in the lower level of the Danna Student Center, Iggy’s Cupboard provides free food, hygiene products, and other essential items to any member of the Loyola University New Orleans community who may need extra support. The cupboard is operated through a partnership between Student Life & Ministry (SLM) and the Student Government Association (SGA) as part of Loyola’s commitment to build a campus culture rooted in compassion, dignity, and belonging.
The cupboard is stocked with both perishable and non-perishable food items, as well as toiletries and everyday essentials. Guests are welcomed with respect and confidentiality and can choose the items that best meet their needs, with support from trained cupboard assistants and volunteers. All services and resources are provided free of charge.
Iggy’s Cupboard is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and no appointment is necessary. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to simply stop by whenever support is needed.
Donations
The Loyola community also plays an active role in sustaining this ministry of care. Donations of unopened, unused, and non-expired items may be dropped off at the cupboard, the Student Life & Ministry suite, or designated donation bins across campus. Community members can also support the cupboard through one-time or recurring monetary gifts or by purchasing needed items through our Amazon Wishlist.
Volunteer Opportunities
Students interested in volunteering can become involved through training and ongoing support, helping create a welcoming and respectful environment for all who visit the cupboard. Through these shared efforts, Iggy’s Cupboard reflects Loyola’s belief that caring for one another is an essential expression of justice, community, and human dignity.
Through Loyola’s partnership with Sodexo, the Swipe Out Hunger program helps address food insecurity by providing meal support to students in need. A limited number of meal swipes are available each semester through the Meal Swipe Bank, ensuring that students facing financial hardship can continue to access nutritious meals and remain fully engaged in campus life. Swipe Out Hunger reflects the belief that no student should have to choose between meeting basic needs and pursuing their education.
Students experiencing food insecurity may request meal swipes through the Swipe Out Hunger Meal Request Form. Requests are handled with care and confidentiality, with the goal of providing timely support to students navigating temporary or ongoing challenges.
By working together as a campus community, Loyola continues to foster a culture in which students are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.
To learn more, contact Lindy Brasher, University Minister for Social Justice, at lmbrashe@loyno.edu.
The Peter Claver Fund
Named in honor of St. Peter Claver, the 17th-century Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to serving enslaved persons arriving in Cartagena, the Peter Claver Fund reflects Loyola’s commitment to human dignity, solidarity, and compassionate support for students facing hardship.
The Peter Claver Fund provides short-term financial assistance to students facing urgent, unexpected challenges that may threaten their ability to remain enrolled or to fully participate in academic life. Assistance may include support for textbooks and required course materials, transportation needs, emergency travel, or other essential expenses connected to academic success and student stability.
As gap funding, the grant is designed to respond quickly and compassionately, with priority given to students facing significant financial hardship or the risk of withdrawing from the university. Through this fund, the Loyola community seeks to accompany students with compassion and care, ensuring that unexpected barriers do not stand in the way of education, opportunity, and hope.
Support the Peter Claver Fund
Through the generosity of the Loyola community, the Peter Claver Fund offers hope and practical support to students navigating unexpected financial challenges. Contributions help provide emergency assistance for essential needs, allowing students to remain focused on their education and continue their journey toward graduation.
