2021 Franciscan Center for Social Concern: SBU Food Pantry

Raised: $77,891.84

Goal: $60,000.00

130%

SBU Food Pantry

Nationally, 25-30% of undergraduate students struggle with food insecurity, defined as not having access to enough food. St. Bonaventure University is no different. During the summer of 2018, it was determined there were Bonnies who struggled with food insecurity. It did not take long to determine a food pantry on campus was something St. Bonaventure University needed. Until a permanent location could be found, a “stopgap” Food Pantry was located in the Dee Family Kitchen in the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministry. This was the SBU Food Pantry home until the official opening one year later.

After forming a task force of students, staff and administrators, the SBU Food Pantry officially opened in October 2019. It is located in room 114 of the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministry. Generous individuals donated a refrigerator and freezer, allowing us to distribute perishable food items as well as non-perishables. The grand opening coincided with the “Out of Darkness: Putting a Face on Homelessness” exhibit at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

We currently have 30 volunteers and a student leadership team of seven, which allows us the resources to open the pantry every weekday. The SBU Food Pantry accepts donations of perishable and non-perishable food, as well as monetary donations.