Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University has launched Vincent’s Table, a food distribution center aimed at supporting students facing food insecurity. The center, which opened in September on the ground floor of Donovan Hall at the Queens campus, is named after St. Vincent de Paul and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to student welfare.

The initiative builds on the longstanding partnership between St. John’s University and St. John’s Bread & Life, an organization that has provided more than 20 million meals to people in Brooklyn and Queens. In its initial months, the university community contributed over 300 pounds of donated goods through student-led drives and efforts by campus departments such as Public Safety and Campus Facilities and Services.

Vincent’s Table distributed more than 800 pounds of food to over 40 students during this period. Student volunteers dedicated hundreds of hours to organizing and stocking the pantry. The service is available to all students, who can order online for pickup either at Donovan Hall or from nearby discreet lockers.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on December 4 following Mass at St. Thomas More Church. Rev. Richard Rock, C.M., who served as homilist, said: “We meet Jesus during the season of Advent; not in darkness, but in light,” Fr. Rock stressed. As the St. John’s community reflects on that friendship and care, “we bless Vincent’s Table for those people who experience food insecurity, and hopefully we can bring about a change in their lives. We know that when people experience hunger—the poor, the homeless, the students here at St. John’s, the marginalized, the migrants—they experience fear, panic, and darkness.”

He added: “Our generation at St. John’s wants to do something about it. They want people to know they have friends that care. They will have peace that can make a difference, and even in darkness, the light of Christ can shine. Today is one of those moments where we are showing actions speak louder than words.”

After Rev. Aidan R. Rooney blessed Vincent's Table space during the ceremony, speakers highlighted both its necessity and how it fits with university values.

Fr. Shanley recognized donors’ support: “We stand here today in front of Vincent’s Table because of the generosity of several individuals especially Thomas E. McInerney ‘64UC, ’01 HON, Board Chair Emeritus and Margaret M. Keane ‘81C, ‘87MBA, ‘19HON, Elected Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.”

Fr. Shanley also noted expertise brought by partners: “The other thing the University required was concrete expertise in effectively combating food insecurity... That’s where Bread & Life came in... This is a partnership... I’m confident that with that partnership we’re going to be able to serve our students.”

Sr. Caroline Tweedy emphasized broader goals: “This pantry is more than shelves of food. It offers dignity, compassion, and hope... Through technology we can provide flexible access to healthy food choices and empower students to focus on learning—not their next meal.”

Mary-Elizabeth Sabo oversees Vincent's Table operations: “Hunger is a growing epidemic on college campuses nationwide... The last thing they need to worry about is hunger... Vincent's Table provides a safety net and support network where students can get a meal and be connected with resources.” She continued: “My goal is to reach as many students as possible... Hunger has no place on our campus…we are committed to providing sustaining food options so they can thrive...”

Sabo further stated: “For students like me this pantry means something simple but powerful: It means access… dignity… support… Beyond essentials…this pantry offers something deeper: hope...that basic needs will not be a barrier…and together we can build a culture where asking for help is seen as strength…”

Nationally there has been increasing concern about college student hunger; according to data from 2020 nearly four million U.S college students experienced food insecurity—a trend that continues upward.

Information about basic needs services at St John's University can be found at stjohns.edu/food.