With federal SNAP benefits in limbo, the City University of New York is distributing $140,000 across all campuses to stock up campus food pantries and help feed hungry students.
More than 130,000 CUNY students rely on the public university system’s 22 food pantries each year, according to school data. Pantries across the country have been strained during the historic federal government shutdown, though Congress is moving toward a reopening.
“We are aware that members of our community may continue to experience delays or disruptions in receiving their benefits,” Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez wrote in a letter that was sent to students Friday.
“In anticipation of the potential increase in demand during this period, I have authorized additional funding for all campuses so they can stock extra supplies in their on-site food pantries or provide food assistance in other forms.”
CUNY’s food pantries are open year-round to all students and employees, regardless of school affiliation. During the shutdown, some have extended their operating hours to meet the heightened need, according to the chancellor’s memo.
The emergency cash came from Matos Rodriguez’s discretionary budget, a CUNY spokesman said. Separately, CUNY campuses have also been fundraising through philanthropic organizations.
About 40% of CUNY students self-report having “low” or “very low” food security, according to a 2022 school survey. CUNY logged 206,000 visits to its pantries in 2024, per the latest school data, or more than triple the 59,000 visits recorded in 2022.
New Yorkers began to receive their full November SNAP benefits on Sunday, though the Trump administration continues to challenge their release in court. The issue may be moot if the government reopens in the coming days and all payments are unfrozen.
