In an effort to make food resources more accessible to all students, Hendricks Chapel recently moved and expanded its food pantry.
The pantry moved from a smaller room in the southeast stairwell to Room 004C, which is located on the lower level across from the Office of the Dean. The new location, which is larger and more accessible, was developed with the goal of being more welcoming and supportive for all students.
The expanded Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry
The move allows for new features to be added to the pantry as well. These include a welcome desk, where students can sign in digitally, and room for a larger refrigerator. Air conditioning, another feature of the new location, will also make the space more comfortable for student employees and volunteers. These upgrades were made possible by generous donors in support of the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry.
The pantry serves all 鶹ƵUniversity and SUNY-ESF students.
“The thing to know about food insecurity is that it’s a hidden pandemic. It’s something that affects a lot of people, but there’s a stigma around it,” says Leondra Tyler, student coordinator for the Office of Engagement Programs at Hendricks Chapel. “Our goal is to be a stigma-free place for students to get the food they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”
Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC) and Facilities Services contributed significantly during the pantry transition, dedicating time and effort to develop plans and also helping to assemble shelves and move existing and new inventory.
“The food pantry is of critical importance, not only to the mission and vision of Hendricks Chapel but to all of us who care about the spirit and soul of 鶹ƵUniversity,” says the Rev. Brian Konkol, dean of Hendricks Chapel. “As religious, spiritual, moral and ethical traditions call upon us to accompany those in need, the food pantry helps us to put diverse beliefs into dynamic action, to strengthen and sustain our students in their journey as learners and leaders.”
If students are unsure about their next meal, their academic success and future could be compromised. The chapel seeks to help develop the health and wellbeing of all students, which includes access to healthy food.
The food pantry is regularly stocked thanks to fundraisers and food drives started by several student organizations and university departments, such as the Student Association, Women in Technology, the Interfraternity Council, the Barnes Center at the Arch and 鶹ƵUniversity Libraries. Those seeking to support the Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry may make donations of food items, toiletries and small kitchen tools, and may also contribute financially to the .
The Hendricks Chapel Food Pantry is available to students during the academic year on Mondays and Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Students seeking to access the pantry can stop by Room 004C in the lower level of the chapel during these hours. Students may also access the pantry location on South Campus, located at the Carriage House on 161 Farm Acre Road, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.
For questions about the food pantry, please contact at chapel@syr.edu or call 315.443.2901.
This article was written by Jade Chung ’23.
