Pace University Opens its New Food Pantry, Pace Market

July 17, 2023
Chloe Pagnozzi

The new Pace University food pantry, Pace Market, offers free food to students, faculty, and staff while showcasing partnership and inclusivity.

This past winter, Pace University created a permanent food pantry on campus for those who need it. Xianwen “Wen” Xi, the assistant director of residential life at Pace University, teamed up with Feeding Westchester’s Christopher McGregor to launch the program.

Wen expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “One significant aspect of this project has been the invaluable support we received from Feeding Westchester.”

Fruitful partnerships like these are vital in creating a community that works together to nourish its neighbors. They allow us to reach more communities in Westchester, and it gives our collaborators the right resources to succeed. Together, we have embarked on a mission to create lasting solutions for those in need.

Finding the Right Location on Campus

Initially, there were concerns surrounding the lack of available space to implement a permanent food pantry.

Between November and January, Wen searched for a place that could fit the needs of the market. She realized a kitchen space, along with its adjacent storage closet, was available in the lobby of the freshman dorm building, Elm Hall.

The lobby was already a great community space and allowed the Pace Market to fit in perfectly.

“My primary focus revolves around fostering a sense of community among students and staff. This made the integration of the food pantry a natural fit within our campus environment,” says Wen.

The Power of Partnership

Without the partnership between Pace University and Feeding Westchester it would be extremely difficult to implement a lasting food pantry on the campus.

“Their partnership has not only expanded the resources available to us but has also helped us extend our reach to a wider audience. With their assistance, we have been able to provide a more comprehensive range of resources to those facing food insecurity.”

Together, the Pace Market has been able to provide those in need with fresh and healthy food.

Restoring Hope

The pantry serves students, faculty, and staff at Pace University. Interactions with those visiting the pantry have helped show Wen, and her volunteers, the impact they are making in their own community.

Wen shares the story of a student who visited both the Mobile Food Pantry and the Pace Market. She notes the thoughtful consideration the student takes when choosing their food. They are always asking questions about the ingredients and nutrition for the available items.

Wen also pointed out there is no judgement at the pantry. It is a welcoming space and has given hope to those who need it.

The pantry isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about providing them with healthy food and hope for the future.

“These heartfelt exchanges highlight the significance of the pantry in not only providing physical sustenance but also restoring hope and dignity to those in need,” says Wen.

Raising Awareness and Making Change

The partnership has helped Wen raise awareness about food insecurity on campus and inspired many students to volunteer.

“The collaboration with Feeding Westchester has not only provided immediate support to individuals facing food insecurity but has also sparked meaningful conversations and raised awareness about this pressing issue on our campus,” she says.

At first, Wen was unsure about how she would recruit enough volunteers to keep the market open all day.

Students spread the word about the market, which influenced more conversations about food insecurity. Quickly, more and more students wanted to help Wen fight hunger on campus.

Pace continues to raise awareness on food insecurity through the partnership with Feeding Westchester.

“Through joint initiatives, such as educational workshops, fundraising efforts, and advocacy work, we [are actively tackling] the root causes of food insecurity,” says Wen.