The Academic Senate Committee on Committee on Food Insecurity of the Academic Senate met on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 1 - 2 P.M. Room MA-344

Committee Members in Attendance:

Lorraine Cupelli (Chair), Sara Danzi Engoron (Secretary), Weier Ye, Howard Sporn, Emily Tai, Angela Gmuca

SGA Representatives: Davia Willis (President)

Excused absences: Ashlie Klepper, Bianca Sosnovski, Phillip Nelan

 

 

 

Liaisons in Attendance:

Ms. Ronni Weprin, Administrative Liaison 

 

Business:

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM

 

Business:

1. The September minutes were approved.
2. Food Pantry website and the information sheet for pantry volunteers have been updated. QR codes for pantry information are available and working. The committee is grateful to Tony Gamino for assistance.
3. The QCC website still indicates that the food pantry is open to all CUNY students, as was instructed during the pandemic. The committee will check to see if the policy has changed.
   1. Pantry use has increased and food supplies dwindle quickly.
   2. Sign for pantry is being created by QCC art student with the assistance of Dr. Wentrack.
   3. Donations may be ready for pick up at Health Services. Dr. Tai will check and pick up.
   4. For cleaning or vacuuming needed in the pantry, contact Vivi in Buildings and Grounds to make a request.
   5. For students who want to eat the pantry food while on campus, there are microwaves in the student union. No need to have a microwave in the pantry. There is also a hot water kettle for student use in the Student Union.
   6. Amawati Gonesh (Student Life Manager) waiting to hear from CUNY Central about the possibility of weekly fresh food distribution in fall and spring that occurred during summer. She will update the pantry.

4. Thanksgiving food distribution on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 11am – 1pm. There is a volunteer sign-up sheet for packing bags.
   1. There will be 200 turkeys and 250 bags available for students. Fresh food will have to be added to bags Monday and Tuesday morning so many volunteers needed.
   2. There is a potential partnership with Bethpage Bank
   3. Elected officials and the CUNY Chancellor have been invited to participate.

5. Committee discussed creative ways to raise awareness of the food pantry and to solicit more involvement and donations.
   1. Event in the Quad was discussed. Professor Cupelli suggested ways to included service learning and a multi-department approach to understanding food insecurity.

6. The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 PM.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sara Danzi Engoron
Committee on Committee on Food Insecurity of the Academic Senate, Secretary