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To help Alfred State students affected by food insecurity,
the college launched a pilot food pantry program. Pictured from left to right
are Angel Victorino, a business administration major from New York City; Rob
Privitera, residence hall director; and Elisabeth Rebmann, Student Senate
president.
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Currently, Alfred State is housing over 50 students in the
residence halls on campus. These students were unable to go home due to
financial or technology hardships. The students that were relying on public
transportation are now unable to work or access stores to get their basic
essentials such as food and hygiene products.
As a result, the food pantry program was born. A call for
donations was put out to the Alfred State community on April 3 for
non-perishable food and personal care items in a drop-off bin outside of the
Townhouse Commons. Items collected range from canned food items, to pasta, to
toothpaste, to soap, and more.
Student Senate and Campus Round Table collaborated with the
food pantry by cumulatively investing $3,000 to supplement the steady stream of
donations. A student and staff team that
included representatives from Residential Life, Student Senate, and Civic
Engagement has managed donations, requests, and bagging up pantry items for
pickup twice a week.
A new food insecurity fund is complementing this effort to
support student needs. To date, 32 donors have contributed $3,661.46 online to
support student needs, including purchasing grocery store gift cards for
students in need. To make an online donation, visit
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PIONEERS/team/StudentEmergencyFund.
Jonathan Hilsher, director of the Center for Civic
Engagement, said, “The food pantry and fund is one important way we’re seeking
to support student success during this trying time. I especially appreciate how we were able to
closely coordinate and collaborate with Student Senate to meet this need.”
Hilsher noted that the food pantry will continue into the
fall semester and become a permanent option for students in need.
Elisabeth Rebmann, Student Senate president, helped
spearhead the program, which has really taken on a life of its own. Student
Senate has already created a new board position, as well as an operational
budget to help it continue. The community is encouraged to donate money or
items year-round in an effort to keep this program running.
"Student Senate will be opening their food pantry in
fall 2020,” Rebmann said. “The food pantry is called ‘The Plate’ and stands for
‘Project Lead Alfred Toward Equity.’ Student Senate is working to provide all
students with meals to ensure they are healthy, happy, and successful."
Alfred State has already been able to help over 50 students
overcome food insecurities resulting from COVID-19. Reducing this fear has
helped them focus on adjusting to online learning.
Student reactions to the food pantry program have been very
touching. One student remarked, “Wow, this is awesome! Thank you so much for
doing this.” Several others commented how easy this food pantry was to utilize.
Residence Hall Director and Alfred State alum Rob Privitera,
said, “I’m really happy that my team has been able to give back to a community
that gave a lot to me when I was a student. Filling the boxes and sorting
applications is not hard work at all, especially with the great team members we
have, and it makes a huge difference for our students.”
