The Academic Senate Committee on Committee on Food Insecurity of the Academic Senate met on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 1 - 2 P.M. Room MA-326

Committee Members in Attendance:

Lorraine Cupelli (Chair), Sara Danzi Engoron (Secretary), Weier Ye, Emily Tai, Angela Gmuca, Philip Nelan, Ashlie Klepper

Excused absences: Ronni Weprin

 

 

 

Liaisons in Attendance:

 

 

Business:

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM

 

Business:

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM.
2. The November minutes were approved.
3. Ronni Weprin (Administrative Liaison for Food Pantry) was not informed of meeting and was not available.
4. Updates on previous discussions:
   1. No response yet from ARC about distribution of eggs and fresh vegetables. Previously they were available during the summer, and committee inquired about spring start. Sara Danzi Engoron will follow up.
   2. The food pantry is open to ALL CUNY students (Brian Mitra confirmed).
   3. Students are welcome to volunteer at the pantry with a faculty/staff volunteer.

Last week, a PTK student, Jael Puruncajas, came to help unpack dozens of boxes of delivered food items in the pantry.

1. There are still many students who are unaware of food pantry on campus, yet student visits have increased significantly.

5. Discussion of CUNY CARES program – Comprehensive Access to Resources and Essential Services (CARES). The outreach was launched at the three Bronx CUNY campuses: Bronx Community College, Hostos Community College and Lehman College. Report from pilot program was circulated to Committee members.
6. Spring 2024 Student Celebration Fair: April 17^th on the CUNY Quad. This was developed by Lorraine Cupelli, Chair of the Committee, to raise awareness about student needs. It will be supported by many faculty and organizations; NYPIRG, Career Services, Title IX Denim Day (April 26^th) to raise awareness about sexual assault.
7. The Spring Drive will begin March 27^th and will be requesting donations from faculty and staff on campus.
8. Discussion of ideas:
   1. One stop connection at food pantry for ARC, mental health, career services, etc. one day each week.
   2. Committee members to donate as they wish to a fund that Ashlie Klepper will maintain to purchase personal items for the pantry in addition to the funds providing these resources from Dr. Call’s donations. The committee discussed creating “kits” containing small personal items for students.
   3. Ramadan is starting soon and there may be a need for observant students to find appropriate food at the end of the day.
   4. The possibility of having more milk ordered and available since it is a very popular item. Students sometimes take more than the one milk allowed. If milk was located in the front of the pantry, it could be monitored more easily.
   5. Tour of the QCC campus should include the Food Pantry since they are in the building weekly anyway.
   6. Posting of information in the pantry about nutrition, recipes, focused on one pantry food item each month.
   7. Creating a farm to table experience by planting tomatoes and/or herbs in planters near the Administration building. These would be available for distribution to students, or picking herbs as desired. Angela Gmuca will follow up with Administration about this possibility. The idea of Adopt a Planter was discussed to support these activities. Also suggested the idea of collaborating with John Bowne High School that has an agriculture program to create these gardens.
9. The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted by:

Sara Danzi Engoron