Empowering Students: CUNY Launches New Food Pantry at Macaulay Honors College to Tackle Food Insecurity

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and Shania Persaud, President of the Macaulay Scholars Council, recently opened a new food pantry at Macaulay Honors College.

This initiative, called the Mountain Lion Food Pantry, aims to help students facing food insecurity. It’s part of a larger network with over 20 similar pantries across CUNY campuses.

Thanks to the Women at Amazon group, which includes female and non-binary employees from Amazon, students can access essential food and supplies without any cost.

At the opening ceremony on January 31, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez emphasized the importance of such resources. He said, “CUNY is always working to remove obstacles that could hinder a student’s success.” He acknowledged that while we hope for a world without the need for food pantries, they play a vital role in supporting students.

Dean Dara N. Byrne highlighted that the pantry is about more than just food. She said, “We want to offer dignity, support, and a sense of community.” The pantry stands as a reminder that no student should have to choose between attending school and having a meal.

A 2022 survey revealed that around 40% of CUNY students reported low food security. This statistic shows the urgent need for places like the Mountain Lion Food Pantry.

All CUNY students can visit any campus food pantry to get meals, no matter where they study.

Shania Persaud, a senior at Baruch College, shared her thoughts on the importance of this service. She remembers how difficult it was for students to find food after events. “Now I can say, ‘Hey, come downstairs, there’s so much food,’” she exclaimed.

The pantry offers a variety of items, including non-perishable foods, cooking ingredients, health supplies, and household necessities. It operates throughout the year, even in the summer.

The Mountain Lion Food Pantry is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more information about CUNY’s food pantries, students can visit cuny.edu.