Key takeaways
• Over 130,000 CUNY students face food insecurity each year
• The public university system runs 22 on-campus food pantries
• Students pick up free groceries, fresh produce, and snacks
• Access to food pantries helps students study and stay healthy
College life can be exciting. Yet many students struggle with hunger. Each semester, more than 130,000 CUNY students rely on on-campus resources. These food pantries give free groceries and snacks. As a result, students spend less time worrying about their next meal. Instead, they focus on classes, homework, and career goals.
Why Hunger Hits College Students
College costs keep rising. As tuition fees grow, students work more hours. In addition, rent and bills take a big slice of their budget. Consequently, some students skip meals to save money. Meanwhile, they juggle classes, jobs, and family duties. Sadly, skipping meals hurts grades and health. For example, a student might feel too tired to study or attend class. In fact, hunger can lead to anxiety and lower confidence.
Moreover, not all students have family help. Some juggle child care or care for elderly relatives. Others move to New York without any support network. Therefore, they turn to food pantries for help. The public system understands this need. That is why it opened 22 on-campus pantries across 24 CUNY campuses. However, demand still outpaces supply in some locations.
How CUNY Food Pantries Reach Students
Every campus offers its own pantry hours. In addition, some run mobile pop-up locations. These pop-ups appear near busy student centers. As a result, students can grab healthy snacks between classes. Moreover, pantries keep a mix of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and pantry staples. Free items include rice, pasta, canned goods, and cereal. Also, many pantries stock hygiene products like soap and toothpaste.
CUNY food pantries team up with local farms and grocery stores. Through donations, they keep shelves full. Volunteers help sort and bag items. In addition, student groups run awareness drives each semester. They hang posters in hallways and send emails. Therefore, more students learn about this aid. Also, pantries train student leaders to run pop-up tables. That way, peers can recommend recipes and share cooking tips.
What Students Can Find in Pantries
Most pantries offer a balanced mix of nutrition. For example, a student might pick:
• Fresh apples, bananas, and carrots
• Brown rice, pasta, and canned beans
• Milk, yogurt, and cheese packs
• Peanut butter and whole-wheat bread
• Packaged soup, tuna, and granola bars
In addition to groceries, pantries often have cooking kits. These kits come with simple recipes and measured ingredients. Students learn to cook healthy meals on a tight budget. For instance, a pasta kit might include sauce, pasta, and seasonings. Meanwhile, some locations share cookbooks and online tutorials. Thus, students build kitchen confidence.
Stories of Hope and Success
Anna is a 19-year-old student at a downtown campus. Last year, her part-time job hours got cut. She felt too weak to concentrate in class. Then she discovered the campus pantry. Now she visits twice a week. With fresh greens and yogurt, she stays fueled. As a result, her grades improved and her mood lifted.
Michael juggles full-time study and caring for his younger sister. He found relief when a volunteer handed him a snack box between lectures. Later, he joined the pantry committee. Today, he helps plan mobile pantry days. He says the pantry gave him more time to study and support his family.
How You Can Help
Volunteering at any campus pantry makes a real impact. Students, faculty, and community members sort donations and greet visitors. In addition, donors can contribute fresh produce or pantry staples. Even small gifts add up. For example, a bulk rice donation can feed dozens of students.
Student clubs often hold food drives. They collect canned goods and hygiene kits. Meanwhile, some campuses host cooking demos to show budget-friendly meals. Supporting these events raises awareness and boosts pantry usage.
Finally, you can spread the word. Tell classmates about pantry hours and pop-up tables. Share social media posts or hand out flyers. In this way, every student knows they don’t have to face hunger alone.
Looking Ahead
CUNY aims to expand its support network. In the coming months, the system plans new pop-up sites. It also seeks more food partners and grants. This growth will bring pantry access closer to every student. In addition, new workshops will teach budgeting and cooking skills. As a result, students will gain lifelong tools for healthy living.
In the end, these CUNY food pantries do more than fill stomachs. They give students hope, boost their focus, and support their dreams. When hunger fades, potential flourishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my campus pantry hours?
Each campus posts pantry times on its student website and social media. You can also call campus services to learn hours and pop-up dates.
Do I need to show ID or proof of income?
No. Pantries welcome any enrolled student who needs help. They keep the process quick and private.
Can I donate fresh produce?
Yes. Many pantries work with local farms and markets. Contact your campus pantry coordinator to arrange fresh or bulk donations.
Are there cooking classes for pantry users?
Some campuses host free cooking demos and workshops. Check your pantry’s event calendar or social media pages. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/10/cuny-authorizes-emergency-funding-for-campus-food-pantries-amid-snap-crisis/