UTICA, NY - SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) announced the launch of the Poly Pantry Food Lockers at a ribbon cutting earlier today, a significant step in expanding food access for students. These state-of-the-art lockers will provide 24/7 availability, ensuring that students have access to essential food items whenever they need them.

This initiative is made possible through a State University of New York (SUNY) pilot program aimed at addressing food insecurity on campuses. Additionally, SUNY Poly recently secured nearly $18,000 from the SUNY Transformation Fund to support food and supplies for the pantry, as well as to fund a part-time pantry coordinator.

“SUNY Poly joins our peers at the SUNY system in our shared commitment to combating food insecurity, as the rising costs of food have led more students to rely on campus pantries,” said Andrea LaGatta, SUNY Poly Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Ensuring that our students have access to nutritious food is essential to their academic success and overall well-being, and we are grateful for the support from SUNY System, our local partners, and campus community in making this possible.”

Each locker unit, funded through the pilot program, is estimated to cost between $45,000 and $50,000, depending on necessary IT updates for the kiosk system. Each unit is designed with student convenience in mind, featuring a centralized kiosk where students can scan their codes to access food. The lockers are set to specific time limits, allowing students to use them for up to 72 hours. This user-friendly system ensures seamless access to food while maintaining privacy and efficiency.

SUNY Poly extends its gratitude to local partners Wolfspeed, the Food Bank of Central New York, and Aramark, whose support has been instrumental in providing these critical resources to students.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 22% of undergraduate students experience food insecurity—more than double the rate of U.S. households. Nationwide, one in four students faces food insecurity, impacting their ability to concentrate in class, remain enrolled, and feel connected to the campus community. SUNY Poly’s continued investment in food security initiatives aims to alleviate these challenges and foster a supportive environment for all students.