Hunter Community Unites To Fight Student Hunger

“Hunter provides an excellent education for students, but they cannot learn if they are hungry or do not know where their next meal will come from,” said an alumna who is also a faculty member. “We need to support our students in every way possible to achieve their goals and dreams.”

This sense of responsibility is shared across the campus. Martina Dimitrova, a junior English major, said that in the past few weeks she had become more aware of the precarious livelihoods of fellow students.

“I never realized how many students didn’t have their basic needs met,” she said. “As much as I can give, I will give to help them.”

Kathleen Granados MFA ’20, a New York City-based artist and educator, said she wanted to do what she could to meet students' needs during this time.

“I'm happy for the opportunity to support the health and well-being of the Hunter community, as well as all those who visit the pantry from CUNY schools,” Granados said.

The goal is to raise $200,000 to sustain and expand pantry operations throughout the academic year.

Every dollar counts.

Donations pay for fresh food bags available to students each week and ensure the pantry remains stocked with nutritious, balanced options — including kosher and halal meats — through the upcoming holidays and beyond.

Money donations make the greatest impact. The pantry’s ability to purchase food wholesale allows every dollar to stretch further than it would in a traditional food drive, providing more meals, more variety, and more dignity for the students who depend on the support.

To make a gift to the Purple Apron Food Pantry, please visit hunter.cuny.edu/food-support.

You can also support the food pantry and other areas of campus affected by shifts in federal funding, through Hunter College’s Giving Tuesday campaign.