The Stony Brook University Food Pantry, run by the Center for Civic Justice, has been a valued resource for students, faculty and staff who are dealing with food insecurity.
It goes without saying that the pantry wouldn’t run without donations from the community, both on and off campus. But while one may choose to bring canned, non-perishable foods to a food pantry (and even then, food pantries have been more vocal about needs in the last few years), donating to a campus-based food pantry is different.
Why? It’s about inclusion, explains Ashley Liegi, assistant director at the Center for Civic Justice.
“Our pantry operates on a college campus, which makes it unique to what might come to mind when someone thinks of a food pantry,” Liegi said. “Our pantry users are college students first and foremost, and they need access to the same resources as their peers, which includes school supplies to use in class, hygiene and menstrual products, grab-and-go snacks to eat in between classes, and the occasional late night ramen or mac and cheese when studying for finals.”
While the pantry does keep a steady supply of canned vegetables, soups and beans, there are plenty of other items that students need. It is important — and perhaps not common knowledge — that those who utilize this pantry are a different audience than other pantries may serve.
It is important to keep in mind the grab-and-go lifestyle of college students, as well as realizing that many of the people who utilize the food pantry may not have access to a full kitchen or other ingredients that would enable them to create full, balanced meals. Students also prefer items they can take from the pantry and eat right away like oatmeal, mac and cheese cups, cereal, granola bars and other quick snacks.
“Students frequently ask for yogurt cups, string cheese, snack packs of cheese and crackers, individually wrapped fruit cups, etc. that provide more nutrition,” said Liegi. She also noted that the following items are always in demand:
- Snacks like chips, crackers, pretzels, fruit snacks and granola bars
- Dairy products like yogurt, cheese sticks and milk
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Mac and cheese
- Ramen
- Spreads like peanut butter, jelly and nutella
- Canned chicken and canned tuna
It’s also not just about what to donate, it is about when. While the Food Pantry is open year-round, during the semester is the busiest time for use. While many people feel compelled to donate around the holiday season, that’s not always the most optimal window, Liegi said.
“While we are open year-round, our fall and spring semesters are when we see the highest volume of users and benefit the most from donations. For example, with the spring semester approaching, donations in the beginning of the year aren’t as frequent and our students need support year-round,” she said.
Looking to donate, sponsor the pantry or in need of food? Visit the Stony Brook Food Pantry website for all of the information you need, including the pantry’s wishlist. If you wish to make a financial donation to the Stony Brook Food Pantry, you can do so here.
— Emily Cappiello
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