Pantry is Part of College’s Larger Effort to Diminish Food Insecurity for Students
New York, N.Y. (March 12, 2024) – The Grizzly Pantry at Guttman Community College was celebrated with an official ribbon cutting recognizing its new space, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor. The event included opening remarks by President Larry Johnson and a walk-through of the pantry, which provides food, gently used clothing and shoes, and personal hygiene items for students. The event was held on Tuesday, February 27 and attended by Guttman Board Foundation members, faculty, staff and students.
Operating from within a staff member’s office since its inception in 2015, the Grizzly Pantry’s new space is open daily, and any City University of New York (CUNY) student is welcome to visit. The pantry is located in the lower level of Guttman’s main building at 50 W. 40th St. in Manhattan.
“Students from marginalized communities often face the burden of food insecurity, which can have a profound impact on their academic success. According to a 2022 CUNY Student Experience Survey, 40% of students have reported having low or very low food security. At Guttman, we recognize the importance of providing access to healthy food options for our students to ensure that they can focus on their academic achievements and have the resources they need to succeed and thrive,” said Guttman President Larry Johnson.
Nationwide, there are close to 800 food pantries on college campuses; a decade ago there were just 80 (CBS Evening News, 2024). Guttman’s comprehensive food programs aim to lessen food insecurity by offering frozen food and fresh produce items in addition to shelf stable items.
“As growing institution, I am extremely grateful for the anonymous gift that made it possible to establish a dedicated space that will foster an increased sense of community and support among students,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Danny Ambrose.
The Grizzly Pantry is part of the college’s Connect Center, an office within the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs focused on providing essential needs. Students can apply for emergency grants, receive resources and referrals for housing, immigration matters, legal concerns and more.
Associate Director of the Connect Center Dana LePage “sees how critical access to essential needs is for academic success and retention and is humbled her office can provide even a little relief to students when they most need it.”
Stella and Charles Guttman Community College was CUNY’s first new community college in more than forty years. Reimagining what community college could be, Guttman opened its doors in Manhattan in August 2012 to create a research-based, innovative model focused on moving students efficiently toward graduation. Offering associate degree programs in a nurturing environment, the College’s three-year graduation rate consistently surpasses the national average, and most graduates transfer to senior colleges. Guttman is federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and minority-serving institution with more than 85% of the student population identifying as Latine or Black/African American. The College was named the best community college in America in 2020 and the top community college in New York State for 2020, 2021 and 2022 by Niche.com and other ranking agencies.
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Source:
CBS Evening News. “College Students Struggling with Food Insecurity Turn to Campus Food Pantries.” February 20, 2024.
