State University of New York at New Paltz
IN-24: Innovation A

In 2012, a food pantry was established in the Student Union Building by Reverend Dianna Smith after a struggling student expressed a need for food. In 2013, the food pantry became part of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. The designation as a member agency allows the food pantry to purchase food at a rate of 16 cents per pound for many items. In 2015, as a gift from the former Chaplain of the Student Christian Center, Rev Paul Walley, a refrigerator freezer was purchased for the food pantry, greatly expanding the variety of items that can be distributed. Over the years the food pantry has grown from a 2 hour once a week operation to three days a week for a total of 14 open hours. A staff of volunteers helps to welcome students and staff to the food pantry. Many on campus groups contribute time and resources to the food pantry. The community and the churches that support the Student Christian Center have been generous in donating food and supplies and funding for the food pantry over the years of its existence. The food pantry has seen enormous growth of the 5 years of its existence and has been able to respond to that growth through contributions from the sources mentioned and local New Paltz businesses. In the fall of 2017, Campus Auxiliary Services hired a graduate student to manage the food pantry and the team of volunteers.