Campus Food Pantry update

The Binghamton University Food Pantry continues to support many students who find themselves facing hard times by offering a weekly opportunity to order food including fresh produce, dairy items as well as personal hygiene and household items. Membership (and partnership) with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier (FBST) and CHOW offers no- or low-cost items to the Food Pantry, giving students a variety of options and one less barrier to academic success.

During the fall 2021 semester, nearly 350 unique students utilized the food pantry one time or more. Analysis of data has determined the majority of students utilizing this service are off-campus, international and/or graduate students. Also identified using the pantry are upper-class students, like junior and seniors, as well as those who have entered the University through Student Support Services or EOP.

The Food Pantry is open five days a week and is staffed by graduate students, undergraduate student interns and students who are eligible through the Federal Work Study program. Interns not only work at the pantry by filling orders, stocking shelves and assisting with deliveries, but also attend bi-monthly educational sessions and learn about food policy, advocacy, nutrition, sustainability and systems. Many have become empowered to advocate for those who go hungry through #CUNYSUNYUpliftUs Campaign and the national organization Swipe Out Hunger.

The Binghamton University Food Pantry was hailed as a model campus pantry by the SUNY chancellor in January 2021. Since then, staff at the Food Pantry are often contacted by other Universities and student platforms to share their operational process and other successes including campuses such as Kent State University, SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Broome, and at SUNY food director’s meetings hosted by the SUNY system administration in Albany.

Campus partners such as BUDS, the University Bookstore, departments, student organizations as well as parents and alumni continue to support the campus pantry with goods and funds. Larger donors (families and companies) have also graciously supported the Binghamton University Food Pantry financially through the Binghamton Foundation.