The Food for Thought Initiative at SUNY Broome was created by SUNY Broome’s Student Assembly and is supported by the SUNY Broome Foundation as a creative way to meet the needs of students with food insecurities.
Remote learning and limited foot traffic on campus due to COVID-19 led to the dismantling of the Food for Thought Food Pantry. The food that was in the pantry was relocated to the Student Village to help support the students who were living on campus. SA’s Vice President of Administrative Affairs, Ricky Oundo, began chairing the Student Assembly Food Insecurities Committee.
In the fall, this committee partnered with CHOW to deliver boxes of food to students who remained on campus through the Thanksgiving break. The Southern Tier Food Pantry and a VINES representative also met with the committee to share resources. Student Assembly created a resource sheet that was sent to all students via email and is available on the SUNY Broome website. Meal vouchers to the campus dining hall were publicized and students could reach out and pick them up as needed throughout the semester. Vouchers were also provided to departments that had students attending in person classes.
Recently the SUNY Broome Toastmasters Club along with the guidance of their advisor, Professor Kathleen McKenna, raised funds to help students with food insecurities. This generous donation led to the creation of a Food for Thought Initiative, which is supported by a grant from the SUNY Broome Foundation. This Initiative will continue to grow as donations from other individuals and groups are added to this grant funding in the future. The Food Insecurity Committee has collaborated with the local Broome County Farmers Market and the Greater Good grocery store on how to best use these funds to support students. Ricky and his fellow SA members will continue to build community relationships to aid in this very important initiative.
If you are a student struggling with food insecurities and need support, please contact Student Assembly Advisor, Danielle Tierno at tiernodb@sunybroome.edu or call +1 (607) 778-5644.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this cause, visit SUNY Broome: Donate Now and note that the gift is for the Food for Thought initiative.
The Student Assembly is always looking for additional students who want to make a positive difference on campus. If you would like more information about Student Assembly, please contact Student Assembly Advisor, Danielle Tierno at tiernodb@sunybroome.edu or call +1 (607) 778-5644. Election packets are available by emailing StudentActivities@sunybroome.edu. Elections will run from April 27 – May 5, 2021
Submitted by: Student Assembly
