Empire State University has ingeniously devised a means to assist students in obtaining food and essential items, even in the absence of a physical campus. This innovative approach has proven to be a lifeline for many students facing food insecurities.

Empowering Students with Virtual Food Assistance

Setting the Stage for Virtual Food Pantries

The State University of New York college system received significant state funding to establish food pantries on campuses. Empire State University, being the sole fully virtual school within the SUNY system, took a unique step by creating a virtual food pantry. This initiative marks a significant milestone in addressing the needs of its student body.

It's not just about providing food; it's about creating a system that is accessible and convenient for students. The virtual food pantry operates in a manner similar to Instacart, allowing students to fill out an application and receive a spending budget. Through the "Build A Cart" program, they can shop with various retailers online and have their items delivered right to their doorsteps.

Libby Tsibulsky, the director of health and wellness programs at SUNY Empire State, emphasizes the importance of this approach. "Using a traditional food pantry can often carry a stigma," she says. "It might be difficult to access, and you might be limited in the choices available to you." The virtual food pantry eliminates these barriers and provides a more inclusive and empowering experience.

Student Praise and the Goal of Limited Barriers

Students have been highly appreciative of the virtual food pantry. Tsibulsky reports that it has been instrumental in helping them feed their families and stay enrolled at the university. The goal is clear - to ensure that students can complete their schooling with as few obstacles as possible.

"We understand that everyone needs help at some point," Tsibulsky continues. "There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance. Our aim is to get our students to graduation, and we are doing everything in our power to help them cross that finish line."

The program's impact has been remarkable. In its first year alone, it served 488 people and provided nearly $35,000 worth of groceries. This demonstrates the significant need for such initiatives and the positive change they can bring to the lives of students.