In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households, around 18 million households, experienced food insecurity. In Monroe County, the rate of food insecurity among families has surged from just 13% in 2021 to 30% in 2024, affecting 225,610 individuals.
In the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every household member to live an active and healthy lifestyle. It highlights situations where households may lack enough food due to limited resources, a common issue among college students struggling to access sufficient food due to financial constraints.
Although no one can wave a magic wand and wish food insecurity away, SUNY Brockport and organizations in Monroe County have made efforts such as opening food pantries to combat such a pressing issue.
Just a few minutes away from the SUNY Brockport campus, Brockport Food Shelf has its doors wide open for anyone who may be struggling with food insecurities.
The Brockport Food Shelf is a staple in the Brockport community, serving those in need for over 50 years. The Brockport Food Shelf is dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families in need, including college students. It operates as a volunteer-driven initiative, offering groceries, fresh produce and essential household items to those experiencing food insecurity.
President of the Brockport Food Shelf Board of Directors Linda Kruchten-Merring works hard to make sure that people in these situations know that it is only temporary.
“We love that people are coming to us for support however, we urge the people coming in to get on food stamps or connect them with other resources, so they don’t become reliant on us forever,” says Kruchten-Merring.
The Food Shelf partners with local organizations, such as Foodlink, churches, and community volunteers, to keep its shelves stocked and accessible.
“Although we may not be serving out meals to the folks coming in, we are partnered with Brockport Community Collection (BCC) who does hold holiday dinners and hands out holiday baskets to families during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” says Kruchten-Merring
As the Brockport Food Shelf continues its mission to combat food insecurity in the community, it has ramped up outreach efforts to inform migrants about available services and to offer culturally appropriate food options when possible. By doing so, the Food Shelf ensures that individuals and families, regardless of their background or immigration status, have access to the resources they need.
For College students that may not be able to get off campus, The Pantry in Dailey Hall is a great alternative.
Graduate Assistant for the Pantry/Basic Needs Program Brianna McMaster has been with The Pantry since it was added to Dailey Hall in September of 2023.
“Our main goal has always been to fight food insecurity or lack of food access for specifically college students on campus,” says McMaster. “We also open our doors to faculty, staff, and community members—anyone in need of basic necessities like food is welcome here. We believe no one should go hungry, especially not students. If your stomach is empty, then your mind is too.”
While The Pantry’s initial launch faced several challenges, including limited food supplies, inadequate space and a shortage of resources, it has been able to grow and thrive into the initiative it is today with the support of organizations such as Foodlink.
Like other organizations around Monroe County, The Pantry also offers specific meals for holidays.
“Starting this year, we have introduced holiday boxes, which are more tailored to Thanksgiving and Christmas foods. Anyone who is in need, not just the college students, can sign up for those and get those through us,” said McMaster.
Sophomore student Hailey Dean works at The Pantry and is proud to see how far The Pantry has come.
“As a student and a staff member at The Pantry, it is rewarding to know that we’re not just providing food, we’re creating a supportive community where everyone feels valued and cared for,” says Dean.
While these resources have their limitations, they play a crucial role in our society. Food pantries are an important part of addressing food insecurity, an overwhelming public health issue that continues to impact millions across America today.
