City Tech’s new food pantry space opens to ease student food insecurity • Brooklyn Paper

Last month, the New York City Institute of Technology, also known as CityTech, launched a new free student resource stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods for students who need help securing meals in downtown Brooklyn. We have opened a center.

The YellowJacket NEST (Nutrition for Education and Student Achievement) Resource Center officially opened on November 15th. With support and support from the school’s Office of Student Development and the Student Union, NEST ensures all students have access to nutritious foods to help them reach their goals. the study.

About $90,000 of the center’s funding comes from student activity fees, a $25,000 grant from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, another $25,000 grant from the New York City Council Food Insecurity Program, and most recently , New York City Department of Human Resources.

These grants and donations enabled City Tech to purchase food storage equipment, including refrigerators and other supplies needed to keep the center stocked and running smoothly. The shelves are stocked with everything you need for a delicious meal: produce, dairy, eggs, meat, and even dry goods like flour, beans, and rice. The World Harvest Community Center regularly donates produce and dry goods, and GrowNYC supports the program by donating a variety of food items from the green market.

Students have access to food that meets specific dietary needs such as halal, kosher, and vegetarian, hygiene products, and clothing items such as socks, gloves, and scarves.

Vanessa Villanueva, Manager of the Office of Student Life and Development, said:

A 2019 study conducted by the Hope Center for Colleges, Community and Justice at Temple University found that of 167,000 college students surveyed, nearly 40% of students in both four-year colleges and two-year schools had some form of I have experienced shape food. Anxiety in the last 30 days. Prior to the opening of the NEST center at City Tech, between November 2020 and December 2021 he had over 1,000 students redeem Greenmarket vouchers at the GrowNYC site and colleges at alternate campus locations. A pop up visited his pantry.

To access these products and services, students must make an appointment with the NEST Center online and arrive at the scheduled time with their CUNY Student ID. The City Tech Foundation accepts tax deductible donations from those who wish to help.