‘Give Back to Our Bearcats’: Public Safety Leads Campus Food Drive

November 21, 2025

Campus efforts to support students facing food insecurity took center stage on November 19 when CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and Baruch President S. David Wu helped deliver and restock donations for the Bearcat Food Pantry.

The “Give Back to Our Bearcats” Food Drive, organized by Baruch’s Department of Public Safety, collected more than 500 items over the past month from the campus community so students could have access to free food, including Kosher and Halal options.

‘Caring for students is a shared responsibility’

“We know that what happens to students outside the classroom impacts what happens inside it. This is especially true when it comes to hunger,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “By providing a critical lifeline to those in need, resources like the Bearcat food pantry play a critical role in CUNY’s efforts to dismantle barriers and drive student success.”

Building on the Chancellor’s remarks, President Wu emphasized how Baruch’s community comes together to support students.

“Caring for our students is a shared responsibility across our entire campus community,” said President Wu. “I am proud of our Public Safety team for leading this important food drive, and I am grateful to everyone who contributed with such generosity. “Together, we help ensure that no student has to choose between meeting basic needs and pursuing their education.”

Service and Compassion

“Public Safety officers are an integral part of the Baruch community, helping students every day,” said Assistant Director and Lieutenant Latoya Rodney. “With service and compassion at the heart of what we do, this food drive was one way we can show students that we’re here for them beyond our daily responsibilities.”

This year, Public Safety’s commitment to community service will extend beyond the campus. Officers have already launched a Holiday Toy Drive from December 1-19 for children being cared for at nearby NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. A clothing donation campaign is in the works for a neighborhood shelter for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

Bearcat Food Pantry

Established in 2022 with support of the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, the pantry provides free, confidential access to food and personal-care items for students in need throughout the academic year. “Grab and Go” bags, which contain three small meals, are available to help students get through the day.

Donations are welcomed throughout the year. Contact the Office of Student Life or make a contribution to the Baruch College Fund.

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