“Will I eat well tonight?” 

This is a question that passed through the minds of many people who have navigated through food insecurity at some point in their life. With the current climate we are living in, the number of people asking that important question has increased, especially amongst CUNY students. Food insecurity is when an individual does not know where their next meal is coming from, is involuntarily eating less than they need to, or does not have enough money to eat a well-balanced meal on a daily basis. Food insecurity is often a difficult issue to talk about: when I asked a few friends about their experience they usually declined, commonly stating that they did not feel “comfortable enough” to speak about their experience. The reluctance to open up about their struggles can also explain why some people, particularly college students, hesitate when seeking help to figure out where their next meal will come from. But the experience is more common than people think: even before the pandemic, nearly half of CUNY’s undergraduates experienced food insecurity during the school year. This is why some colleges like CUNY’s Lehman College are doing their part in addressing food insecurity among its students. 

Located in the Bronx, Lehman College is home to about 14,800 students. As more students struggle to access food during the pandemic, colleges like Lehman have worked to make services accessible to students, even as campuses are closed. For instance, the Lehman College Food Bank began enrolling eligible students online during COVID-19. To apply, first-time applicants submit a registration form to enroll in the food pantry service. Once they are registered, students undergo a verification process and when that process is complete, they then receive a virtual gift card that can be used at a supermarket of their choice. In addition, since the beginning of the pandemic, Lehman has been pushing out emergency grant funds in order to help students facing financial hardships, as well as housing and food insecurity. The application is on a first-come, first-serve basis and to be considered for grant funding, students need to provide proof of financial hardship. 

College is stressful for all students, and the stress combined with hunger can significantly impact the mind and performance of students, which is why college administrators should understand the importance of providing adequate support to those who are striving to make a difference in their futures through higher education. Anyone can experience food insecurity at any time, and there should be a stable and reliable safety net to fall on in the event that one day, we may find ourselves in need of these invaluable resources. 

Briancyy Del Carmen is a student at CUNY-Lehman College, and a Spring 2021 Young Advocate with YI-New York.