The Stony Brook University Food Pantry, managed by the Center for Civic Justice, serves as a crucial resource for students, faculty, and staff facing food insecurity. The pantry relies on donations from both the campus community and external supporters. However, donating to a campus-based food pantry involves unique considerations.
Ashley Liegi, assistant director at the Center for Civic Justice, highlights the importance of inclusion in donations. "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 stated. She emphasized that pantry users are primarily college students who require access to resources similar to their peers. This includes school supplies, hygiene products, grab-and-go snacks for between classes, and convenient meals like ramen or mac and cheese during finals.
While canned goods such as vegetables and soups are staples at the pantry, there is also demand for items suited to students' lifestyles. Many students lack access to full kitchens or ingredients needed for balanced meals. They prefer quick snacks like oatmeal, mac and cheese cups, cereal, granola bars, yogurt cups, string cheese, snack packs of cheese and crackers, and individually wrapped fruit cups.
Liegi pointed out that timing is also crucial when donating. Although the Food Pantry operates year-round, its busiest periods coincide with academic semesters. "While we are open year round," Liegi explained, "our Fall and Spring semesters are when we see the highest volume of users and benefit the most from donations."
For those interested in contributing or seeking assistance from the Stony Brook Food Pantry can find more information on their website including a wishlist of needed items.
— Emily Cappiello