Bearcat Food Pantry Opens for Students

March 17, 2023

Baruch students who face food insecurity now have a free, new resource right on campus.

The Bearcat Food Pantry—made possible with the generous support of the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation—is open and providing healthy, nutritious food to support students’ paths towards graduation.

To mark the occasion, President S. David Wu celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by special guests from the Petrie Foundation, Executive Director Cass Conrad and former Executive Director Beth Lief, along with Linda Essig, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Baruch’s Undergraduate Student government President Laiba Hussain.

The Petrie Foundation initially contributed $30,000 to the project and plan to fund about $10,000 annually.

At the grand opening, President Wu hailed this milestone occasion and expressed gratitude for the Petrie Foundation’s grant.

“When people ask me about Baruch, I like to say we provide a top-tier education that is accessible to all students. But it is hard to offer academic excellence if our students are hungry and dealing with food insecurity. So having this Pantry is an important piece of what we do in supporting our students in all types of different ways.”

Art King, Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students, added, “We are excited for everyone who worked so hard to celebrate the grand opening of the Bearcat Food Pantry. Now we have a physical space where students can come shop and grab food that they need to either eat here on campus while going to school or bring home and help feed their family to sustain themselves.”

Evolving Inventory to Meet Students’ Needs

Students visiting the Bearcat Pantry have a wide selection on food to fill their grocery bags for themselves and their families, including canned goods, diary, and frozen meats and poultry. Kosher and Halal options are also available.

Inventory constantly changes, and the Pantry can adjust to meet students’ needs.

Currently, Baruch students need an appointment to access the pantry, which is also open to any students from The City University of New York.

The Bearcat Food Pantry appointment form is here.

Donations Welcome!

Be part of this important resource for students. The Bearcat Pantry accepts any donations of unopened food that has at least two weeks before the listed expiration date, and unopened toiletries.

Arrange for a drop-off of donations, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@baruch.cuny.edu, or call 646-312-4570.

# # #