A cancer diagnosis often brings significant financial strain, leaving many already vulnerable patients facing tough decisions such as whether to pay bills or buy food. Nearly half of all oncology patients will deplete their life savings within two years of diagnosis.
To help ease this burden in our community, our hospital-based food pantry, Caitlyn’s Cupboard was established in 2020 and serves over 800 active patients in our Hematology/Oncology Department. It provides essential nutritional support during treatment, helping to promote the best response to therapy, reduce fatigue, and improve overall quality of life.
Each month, cancer patients experiencing food insecurity receive a three-day supply of shelf-stable food for every member of their family, including staple items and healthy snacks. The pantry also offers nutritional education, including healthy recipes and information about local food assistance programs and other community resources.
Our Food Pantry Wish List includes non-perishable items that support patients in maintaining a nutritious diet throughout their treatment and recovery. Whenever possible, we ask for items that are low in sodium, have no added sugar, and are packaged in fruit juice or water.
Food Pantry Wish List
Fruits & Vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Dried fruit
- Fruit or fruit/vegetable juice
- Canned vegetables
Protein
- Canned or dried beans
- Canned chicken or fish
- Nuts
- Peanut butter
- Shelf-stable/powdered milk
Starches
- Pasta/Noodle Mixes/Mac & Cheese
- Rice/Rice Mixes
- Instant or canned potatoes
- Dry cereal
- Hot cereal
Fats
- Cooking Oil
- Mayonnaise
Oncology Specific Staples
- Carnation Instant Breakfast packets or equivalent
- Ensure/Boost or equivalent
- Regular or Sugar-Free
- Pudding Mix or Pre-Made Pudding
- Egg Noodles
- Protein Powder
- Baby Food
- Pureed Vegetables, Fruit, Meat and Grain Mixes
- Dressing/Soup
- Evaporated Milk
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Canned Gravy
- Beef Jerky/Turkey Jerky
- Coconut Oil and/or MCT Oil
Extra/Luxury Food Items
- Soups/Stews
- Granola Bars
- Herbs and Spices
- Pancake, Waffles, Muffin Mixes
- Crackers