CU Pantry Partners with The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, Food Bank of Central New York to Expand Distribution Capabilities

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The CU Pantry is upgrading its food distribution capabilities, thanks to a partnership with The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and Food Bank of Central New York.

The pantry is installing temperature-controlled smart lockers for efficient food pick-up. This project will increase access to food resources by providing a secure, convenient, and discrete distribution system at a central location on campus.

The CU Pantry, founded in 2021, is a student-led effort managed by Clarkson student Johannes Richter '27 and supported by the Office of the Dean of Students.

In late 2024, the pantry partnered with Food Bank of Central New York (FBCNY) to educate, advocate, and provide nutritious food to students. Every two weeks, the pantry receives deliveries from FBCNY, which include donated foods, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) items such as meats, vegetables, and fruits, as well as wholesale foods.

Since partnering with FBCNY, the pantry has served 3,661 students, distributing a total of 68,065 pounds of food. The pantry's largest clientele are off-campus graduate students-86 percent of the students served by the pantry are graduate students living off-campus with an average household size of 2.5 individuals.

According to Richter, the lockers will provide 24/7 access to both perishable and non-perishable food items, ensuring that students who may not be able to visit the pantry during regular hours are still able to access this important campus resource.

Each locker is equipped with temperature-controlled compartments to safely store fresh produce, dairy, proteins, frozen and dry goods. Users will receive a secure access code, allowing them to retrieve their items at their convenience.

"This initiative is a significant step toward raising awareness about food insecurity on college campuses," Richter said. "By working closely with student organizations, campus leadership, and external partners, the CU Pantry aims to create long-term, sustainable solutions that support student success."

Clarkson's Dean of Students, Kelsey Pearson, credited Richter with seeing this project come to fruition. She said she is humbled by his dedication to the CU Pantry.

"Johannes's passion for eliminating food insecurity has made a tremendous impact within our community," Pearson said. "Our partnerships with FBCNY and Mother Cabrini Foundation were made possible because of Johannes's unwavering commitment. Johannes's leadership has inspired more than 30 Clarkson students and employees to volunteer with or otherwise support the CU Pantry."

"The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is proud to support the Food Bank of Central New York and Clarkson University in meeting the needs of food-insecure students," said Bronwyn Starr, Program Officer at The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. "Food insecurity rates remain alarmingly high on college campuses. The Food Bank of Central New York's partnership with Clarkson University exemplifies a thoughtful and impactful response to this issue. These lockers will improve access to nutritious food in a manner that is secure, dignified, and student-centered. We commend Clarkson University and its student leadership for their commitment to fostering a healthier, more equitable campus environment.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Clarkson's Collins Hill Campus at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1.

Food Bank of Central New York is a not-for-profit organization working to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education, and advocacy in cooperation with the community. We are the primary food supplier for more than 350 community programs in 11 counties of New York State, distributing more than 23,000,000 pounds of food last year. Food Bank of Central New York is a member of Feeding America. Visit foodbankcny.org for more information on the agency and its programs.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of vulnerable communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. Named after a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation funds programs and initiatives across New York State that either provide direct healthcare services or address the social determinants of health. For more information, visit cabrinihealth.org.

Further information: [email protected]