The Ithaca College Food Pantry, affectionately known as Prunty’s Pantry, was established with the assistance of the Lissy Family Foundation in the spring of 2019 as a direct response to the growing awareness of food insecurity among college students nationwide and within the IC community. The Pantry was named in honor of Dave Prunty, former Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, who was a passionate advocate for students and a central figure in the pantry’s founding. Recognizing that access to reliable, nutritious food and personal health products is essential to student success, the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life worked to create a resource that could provide immediate, stigma-free support.
Located in the Campus Center, the Pantry is a vital part of the College’s commitment to student well-being. It offers a variety of nonperishable items and household essentials to any student, faculty, or staff member in need. Over time, its operations have expanded with the support of student staff, volunteers, and campus partners, ensuring consistent availability and access, even during traditional break periods.
The Pantry continues to grow in both reach and impact over the past year. Now open five days per week, the pantry has expanded access to better meet the needs of our campus, supporting more than 1,000 unique shoppers annually and welcoming over 500 visitors each month. Throughout the academic year, the pantry distributes an average of 3,000–4,000 pounds of food and essential supplies monthly. In particular, the pantry provided critical support to individuals impacted by SNAP benefit disruptions during the past year.
Your support on Giving Day can make a direct and meaningful difference in sustaining and expanding this critical resource. Every donation helps keep shelves stocked, extends the pantry’s reach, and ensures that no student has to choose between meeting basic needs and pursuing their education. By investing in the Food Pantry, you are not only addressing food insecurity—you are affirming a student’s ability to thrive, stay focused, and fully engage in the Ithaca College experience.
