SUNY Old Westbury has reinforced its commitment to student well-being with the grand reopening of its Panther Pantry, now situated in a more accessible and larger on-campus location. This vital resource for over 4,000 students and staff received a significant boost through a generous $7,500 Stop And Shop Gift Card donation. This contribution from Stop & Shop will empower the university to stock the pantry with essential food items and personal care products directly addressing the needs of students and their families.
Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of SUNY Old Westbury, highlighted the critical need for the pantry’s expansion, stating, “SUNY Old Westbury is excited to reintroduce its Panther Food Pantry in a larger, centrally-located office on campus as we have seen more than a 150% increase in its use over the last academic year.” He further emphasized the impact of the stop and shop gift card donation, “We are grateful to Stop & Shop for their donation as it will also enable the College to have extended hours of availability for this imperative campus resource.” The increased usage underscores the growing importance of food security initiatives within higher education.
Stop & Shop’s commitment extends beyond this single donation through its dedicated School Food Pantry Program. This initiative is strategically designed to dismantle barriers that hinder students’ academic success. By ensuring consistent access to nutritious food, the program empowers students to focus on their studies without the burden of food insecurity. Stop & Shop actively supports schools by bolstering existing food pantries or assisting in the establishment of new ones, primarily through stop and shop gift card donations used to procure necessary supplies.
Daniel Wolk, External Communications Manager for Stop & Shop, articulated the company’s dedication: “Stop & Shop is proud to support the efforts of SUNY Old Westbury, because no student should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,”. Wolk further emphasized the direct impact of the program, “This in-school pantry will ensure students at SUNY Old Westbury will have access to the food and supplies they need. Students cannot learn when they are hungry, and we are proud to support the college in ensuring they are fueled for success.” This statement underscores the fundamental link between food security and academic achievement that drives Stop & Shop’s program.
Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry Program currently extends its reach to over 170 school food pantries across five states. This widespread support demonstrates their ongoing commitment to combating student hunger and fostering academic environments where all students have the opportunity to thrive. To delve deeper into Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry program and its impact, please visit https://stopandshop.com/pages/school-food-pantry-program.
Stop & Shop, with over a century of service as a neighborhood grocer, remains dedicated to providing fresh, healthy, and affordable food options. Through innovative loyalty programs like GO Rewards and versatile shopping options, Stop & Shop continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers and communities. Beyond providing groceries, Stop & Shop actively engages in community support, notably through initiatives combating hunger and supporting military personnel. To discover more about Stop & Shop and its community initiatives, please visit www.stopandshop.com.
