Suffolk Reporter

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 heavily on donations from both the campus community and external sources.

Ashley Liegi, assistant director at the Center for Civic Justice, highlights the unique nature of this campus-based pantry. "Our pantry operates on a college campus, which makes it unique to what might come to mind when someone thinks of a food pantry," she stated. Liegi emphasized that the primary users are college students who require access to resources like school supplies, hygiene products, grab-and-go snacks, and convenient meals such as ramen or mac and cheese during finals.

While traditional items like canned vegetables and soups are available, there is also a demand for other necessities due to the distinct needs of students compared to typical food pantry patrons. Many students lack access to full kitchens or ingredients needed for balanced meals. Therefore, they prefer ready-to-eat items such as oatmeal, mac and cheese cups, cereal, granola bars, yogurt cups, string cheese, snack packs of cheese and crackers, and individually wrapped fruit cups.

Liegi noted that donation timing is also critical. Although donations often increase around holidays, she pointed out that "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." As the Spring semester approaches early in the year when donations tend to be less frequent, ongoing support is essential.

For those interested in donating or seeking assistance from the Stony Brook Food Pantry can find more information on their website including a wishlist of needed items.

— Emily Cappiello