SuperCupboards

The SuperCupboard concept is simple: to educate frequent users of emergency food services using a combination of food assistance, nutrition education, food preparation, and basic living skills. SuperCupboards offer a learning environment where participants can feel acceptance and support. Participants become a part of a group who learn to help themselves and to care about others within their group. The program's overall objective is to enable participants to break the cycle of dependency and move toward self-reliance.

SuperCupboards are a focal point for various public, private, and non-profit partners to come together to help families who are at risk because of poverty and food insecurity. Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach, the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center (PHAC), Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Association of Regional Food Banks, county health and social organizations, churches and ministeriums, and low-income housing projects are some of the groups who have combined efforts to address the food security needs of their communities through SuperCupboard programs.

The Greater Philadelphia Anti-Hunger Council, with support from Hands Across America, conducted the first SuperCupboard in 1987. SuperCupboards are now operating across Pennsylvania, in other states, and in other countries. SuperCupboard programs are inexpensive and flexible. Community donations of facilities, time, and supplies enhance local ownership and continuity. Some communities seek small grants for start-up funding.

Participants generally meet 4-5 hours a day, one day a week, for 6-8 weeks. Guest speakers address a variety of topics such as parenting, job readiness, first aid, home security, literacy, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. A nutrition educator teaches nutrition, shopping, menu planning, food safety, and cooking skills.

Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach and EFNEP can provide this nutrition education in many Pennsylvania counties. Where EFNEP is not available, other nutrition professionals or trained volunteers can use an appropriate, up-to-date curriculum provided by Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach.

SuperCupboard programs attempt to motivate individuals to strive for increased self-reliance and self-esteem, as well as challenge them to improve the diets and nutritional status of themselves and their families. Many positive anecdotal and testimonial statements from SuperCupboard graduates indicate that this program is successful. Additionally, results from evaluation study conducted by Penn State indicate participation in a SuperCupboard facilitated a change in attitude about meal preparation from something that "has to be done" to something that is "fun and important." Participants were motivated towards increased self-reliance. Positive changes in these areas resulted in improved nutrition behavior.

SuperCupboards can provide a comprehensive educational program that addresses a variety of issues such as: family and individual economic well-being; children and families at risk; improving nutrition, diet, and health; building human capital for self-sufficiency; and independent decision making.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture's policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider.

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