New CUNY pilot program attempts to address food insecurity for some students

City Council Speaker Corey Johnson addressed CUNY staff and students at a press conference announcing the new pilot program on Thursday. Eagle photo by Victoria Merlino.

By Victoria Merlino

To combat food insecurity throughout New York City, the City Council and CUNY are teaming up to help some students buy meals in campus cafeterias.

Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced the creation of a $1 million fund that will provide 1,250 qualifying students with $400 to spend on campus food.

“College student hunger is a serious problem in New York City. CUNY students should be focused on learning and studying, not where their next meal is coming from,” Johnson said.

Johnson and CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez appeared at Borough of Manhattan Community College on Thursday to announce the pilot program, which will start at CUNY’s seven community colleges, including Queens’ LaGuardia Community College and Queensborough Community College.

Access to the program was limited to a pool students with average annual family income of $15,605. Students were notified in October if they qualified.

“The initiative will be a valuable addition to CUNY’s leading-edge efforts to address food insecurity and connect students to life-changing resources that will contribute to their physical and mental well-being and academic success,” said Matos Rodríguez.

A survey of CUNY students revealed that almost half of respondents had experienced food insecurity in the prior 30 days, according to the Speaker’s Office.