Binghamton University Food Pantry champions food security on campus

At Binghamton University, students and faculty who are passionate about food security help ensure proper nutrition is available to all through the on-campus Food Pantry. Student workers including Nikhil Parab and Caleb Valeri help distribute hundreds of pounds of high-quality food each semester to any student who walks into the pantry, regardless of age, income or living situation.

“Having it here for students who need it is really important. Binghamton University has the resources to provide food to these students who need it, and we should,” said Valeri.

“I’ve seen some students who come into the pantry one day, and come in with donations for others the next day,” said Parab. “Students who don’t have the time or means to find a way to a supermarket or store can save time by going to the pantry and be set for the week.”

Run by the Dean of Students Office and funded by donors, organizations and the Food Recovery Network (FRN), the pantry provides free, nutritious food; dining halls even prepare ready-to-eat frozen meals to stock it. In addition to food, household items including toiletries and feminine hygiene products are available.

In a recent poll on the student portal, about 1,800 students — 42% of respondents — said they went hungry at least once in the last 30 days because they couldn’t afford food. While food insecurity on college campuses remains an issue, advocates like Parab, Valeri and Linda Salomons, who oversees the University’s Food Pantry, are working to overcome it.

“We’re going to make videos that show students how to make meals with food pantry items. We’ve also talked about a downtown location,” said Salomons. “We have a lot of passion and a lot of excitement about the potential of the Food Pantry. I could go on for hours — we’re trying to bring it all together so anybody can see the ways we’re focusing on sustainability, conservation and food insecurity.

“We know there are students who are in need, whether their check runs out before the end of the month or they have a certain circumstance where they need help,” said Salomons.

For students still living on campus or locally during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pantry remains open. Check its website, Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest information, or email bpantry@binghamton.edu.