Nassau Community College Food Pantry Celebrates 10 Years of Nourishing Students and Staff in Need

Years ago, Helen Rice was teaching a summer course at Nassau Community College when she noticed a thin student dozing off at the back of the class. Her initial frustration turned to concern when the student revealed he hadn’t eaten in 24 hours. “Many students were hungry,” Rice recalled, “and they kept it hidden.”

Today, the college estimates that around 30% to 50% of its students struggle with food insecurity. To tackle this issue, they launched a food pantry called The NEST. This month, they celebrated the pantry’s 10th anniversary by serving hot pizza and hosting a fun event with music and a bounce house.

As college costs rise and inflation pinches students’ budgets, the demand for The NEST remains high. Recent cuts to assistance programs have only worsened the situation, reducing the amount of available food. Many college students find themselves ineligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as noted by the New York state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

“Students often face tough choices,” said Sharon Masrour, the executive director of The NEST. “They have to decide between paying for tuition and putting food on the table.” This stark reality highlights a growing need for support on campus. On Tuesdays, students can find canned goods, frozen meals, and other essentials at the pantry. But whether these supplies will remain stable is a rising concern.

The NEST sources food from organizations like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, which have both seen funding cuts from the USDA. Each week, hundreds of students and faculty visit the pantry for help. This is a big shift from the early days, when Rice and Masrour would stash granola bars in cars for students in need.

Leah Li, a sophomore and regular volunteer, shares how the pantry helps her save money. “I grab fresh vegetables that help a lot,” she said, underscoring the importance of such resources for students.

Looking ahead, The NEST plans to expand its offerings to include clothing and social services, as stated by Jerry Kornbluth, the college’s vice president for community relations. “We’re more than just an educational institution. Our goal is to support our students’ overall success.”

As hunger remains a pressing issue on campuses across the nation, initiatives like The NEST serve as lifelines for students facing food insecurity. Recent studies show that nearly 43% of college students experience food insecurity at some point during their studies. This statistic reinforces the urgency for systemic change and increased support for students in need.

The story of The NEST resonates far beyond Nassau Community College. It calls attention to a larger issue affecting students everywhere and highlights the importance of community support and awareness. As more people become aware of these challenges, we hope for broader solutions to ensure that no student goes hungry.

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