Contact: Meredith Amor
Director of Communications
PR@Barry.edu
(305) 775-8629
August 24, 2021
Barry University to Host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Barry Community Food Pantry
(MIAMI, FL) As the pandemic exacerbates food insecurity across the country and around the world, Barry University is working to support one group that is often disproportionately impacted by the problem: college students.
On Wednesday, August 25th at 12pm, the university will celebrate the opening of its new Barry Community Food Pantry during a ribbon cutting event on its main campus. The food pantry, run by Barry University Campus Ministry in partnership with Feeding South Florida and supported by a generous gift from the Al & Jane Nahmad Family Foundation, will provide free fresh and nutritious food as well as essential toiletries to Barry University students, faculty, and staff who visit during operating hours.
Sophomore Arianna Fermin lives on campus and said her first visit to the pantry brought her peace of mind. “College is a time when we’re working to become independent, but we also need support,” she said. “Healthy food is usually so much more expensive, and it feels great to know that Barry University is providing this resource for me and all students who may have times we need it. It is free, and perhaps best of all it is judgement-free.”
Though it difficult to accurately track, studies show that nationwide anywhere from 30% to 59% of college students experience food insecurity at some point.
Barry University president, Dr. Mike Allen, underscored the steps the university is taking to support its community. “While the pandemic is shining a light on food insecurity, it has long been an overlooked, but very serious problem,” he said. “I am grateful to the Nahmad Family Foundation and to all the stakeholders who have worked to make the food pantry a reality in our university community. We want to help ensure our students can focus on their studies and their future success without this difficult burden.”
Wednesday’s event will feature a few words from a Barry University student as well as remarks from President Allen and a blessing by Barry University Chaplain Father Cristobal Torres. Attendees will be invited to tour the space after the official ribbon cutting.
When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 12pm
Where: Barry University Main Campus- Thompson Hall
11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33161
Interested media are requested to RSVP to PR@Barry.edu and must adhere to University Health & Safety protocols.