The City University of New York (CUNY) is continuing its efforts to provide food access to students and the community with support from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation. In June, CUNY received $238,000 from the foundation, bringing total donations since 2020 to $2.2 million for food pantries and other initiatives across 22 campuses.
Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez emphasized the importance of campus pantries in removing barriers for students: “Campus pantries are crucial to CUNY’s efforts to eliminate the barriers that can impede or derail our students’ progress.”
Cass Conrad, Executive Director of the Petrie Foundation, highlighted their commitment: “We are proud to support the colleges’ efforts to make food easily available to students.” The foundation aims to alleviate stress related to rising grocery costs so students can focus on their education.
CUNY’s pantries serve over 130,000 students annually and remain open year-round. A survey by Healthy CUNY found that 40% of students reported low food security in 2022. Visits have increased significantly, with more than 206,000 visits recorded in 2024 compared to 59,000 in 2022.
Denise Maybank, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at CUNY, stated: “Food insecurity is one of the most insidious issues impeding college student success… We are deeply grateful to the Petrie Foundation for their steadfast support.”
Funds from this grant will assist several colleges including Baruch College and Bronx Community College among others. The Petrie Foundation has also supported other programs like CUNY Financial Aid Support Team and Early College initiatives.
CUNY remains a significant educational institution with a mission rooted in providing quality public education accessible to all.
