CSCU Receives $159,000 Donation from Stop & Shop to Support On-Campus School Food Pantries
Donation will support students facing food insecurity across CSCU’s 17 campuses
CSCU announced today that it received a $159,000 donation from Stop & Shop to support CSCU’s on-campus school food pantries in providing nutritious food options and basic necessities to students in need statewide.
“We hope that by increasing our donation this year even more students can have access to healthy foods and feel empowered to perform their best in class,” said Stephanie Cunha, Manager of External Communications at Stop & Shop. “Our mission is to ensure no student goes to school hungry. Stop & Shop is committed to expanding our School Food Pantry Program to serve more neighbors in need across our footprint.”
CSCU is part of Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry Program, a larger initiative that supports more than 230 schools across the northeast, with the goal of supporting 250 by the end of 2024. The program is one of the largest school food pantry programs in the country.
Each of CSCU’s 17 campuses – its four regional universities, 12 Connecticut State (CT State) Community College campuses, and Charter Oak State College – have food pantries that provide significant support to students facing food insecurity.
“Food insecurity is one of the biggest non-academic barriers to student success. Without access to nutritious meals, our students can’t reach their full potential,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “We are so appreciative of Stop & Shop’s continued partnership and its donation that will not only help ensure our food pantries remain stocked with basic necessities but will also make a positive difference in our students’ lives.”
Stop & Shop’s donation marks a $26,000 increase over last year’s contribution, reflecting the growing need as food insecurity continues to rise, particularly among students. A 2023 survey revealed that:
- 52% of CSCU students could not afford to eat balanced meals and 39% had to reduce the size of their meals because they did not have enough money to purchase more food.
- Almost a quarter of students (23%) reported they went at least one day a week without eating because of their financial situation.
A check presentation was held on July 9 during the pregame ceremonies of the Hartford Yard Goats game against the Portland Sea Dogs at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford. Stop & Shop and the Hartford Yard Goats also hosted a food drive at the game to benefit the CT State Capital community college campus in Hartford.