Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York | CUNY Graduate Center
City University of New York (CUNY) has opened a new food pantry at Macaulay Honors College, adding to the more than 20 pantries available across its campuses. The Mountain Lion Food Pantry, named after the college's mascot, was inaugurated by CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and Macaulay Honors College Dean Dara N. Byrne. The pantry is funded by Women at Amazon, an employee-led group at Amazon.
“CUNY is always working to tear down any roadblocks that may prevent a student from focusing on their success,” stated Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. He emphasized the importance of these spaces in addressing students' needs and expressed gratitude to Macaulay and Women at Amazon for their support.
Dean Byrne highlighted the pantry's purpose: “We opened the Mountain Lion Food Pantry not just to provide food, but to offer dignity, support and a reminder that no one here is alone.” She stressed that it represents a commitment to ensuring no student must choose between attending college and having a meal.
The pantry offers non-perishable food items, cooking ingredients, health supplies, pet supplies, and household goods free of charge during regular building hours. Students from any CUNY campus can access this facility regardless of income or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility.
Macaulay Scholars Council President Shania Persaud noted the significance of addressing food insecurity on campus: “Food insecurity is a big issue across college campuses; Macaulay students are here on campus all the time, so it’s nice that they can bring food home with them and support their families.”
This initiative follows the opening of Baruch College's Bearcat Food Pantry in March 2023. CUNY's pantries serve over 130,000 students annually.
Macaulay Honors College was established in 2001 as one of the top honors colleges in the nation. It focuses on providing high-achieving students—especially first-generation and low-income students—with quality education and opportunities for growth.
CUNY remains a vital part of New York City since its founding in 1847 as the first free public higher education institution in the United States. It serves over 240,000 students across various colleges and awards around 50,000 degrees annually.
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