New York, NY – “It’s so hard to focus on your academics if you’re hungry or worrying about your next meal,” said alum Jenny Lau, MSW ’24. “Even Silver students who have the resources to buy food may not have time to do so when they are running from practicum placements across the city to classes at Washington Square.”
Thanks to Jenny and fellow alum Daniella Acosta, BS ’24, NYU Silver students now have free access to nutritious food as well as everyday essentials through The Silver Shelf. The hub for student’s basic needs, which they conceived and brought to fruition, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 10 PM on the garden level of Silver’s building at 1 Washington Square North.
Assessing Community Needs
Jenny and Daniella built out the idea for the Silver Shelf in fall 2023, when they were beginning their practicum placements in Silver’s Office of Inclusive Engagement and Student Life (IESL) and Adaptive Leadership in Human Services Institute (ALHSI) respectively. They thought that if there were a central spot in Silver’s building where students could grab necessities without having to explain themselves, it would make a big difference in their education. With the support of Associate Director of IESL Josephine Gonzalez and ALHSI Project Coordinator Mary Burns, they launched a short survey in order to better understand the needs of Silver students across degree pathways and backgrounds.
The survey validated their assumptions about students’ desire for grab-and-go food, with no one there to judge them. The results further revealed that many students were also struggling to access personal care and hygiene products as well as academic materials like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and licensure exam prep workbooks.
“We talk a lot about the stigma around needing resources and taking away the shame,” said Olivia Albano, MSW ’25, this year’s IESL MSW intern. She now manages the Silver Shelf with ALHSI intern Estrellita Mondragon, BS ’25, with advisement and assistance from IESL and ALHSI staff. “It’s significant that it’s called a ‘shelf’ rather than a ‘pantry,” said Estrellita. “This community space fosters inclusivity and belonging. We’re actively working to destigmatize financial strain and promote equitable access to resources through intentional language.”
Securing Grant Funding
Convinced of the demand by the survey data, in spring 2023, Jenny and Daniella developed a budget, identified an accessible location, and established procedures to ensure the Silver Shelf’s effective operations. With backing from IESL and ALHSI, they applied for and received a two-year grant for the initiative from NYU’s Student Government Assembly (SGA). The Silver Shelf officially launched in Fall 2024.
Dozens of Silver Students have since availed themselves of the Silver Shelf’s resources. Although it intentionally isn’t staffed and usage is anonymous, a prominently posted QR code takes users to a survey about what they took, other items they would like to have available and demographic information. Collecting such data not only helps gauge the program’s impact but it also informs stocking decisions.
“In the fall, for example, we found that the most popular items were not food but things like soap, toothpaste and laundry detergent,” said Grace DeFino, the Student Affairs Administrative Aide who handles ordering for the shelf. “As a result, we’re now stocking more personal hygiene and home cleaning items.”
Sustaining Operations and Raising Awareness
As Jenny and Daniella planned, the Silver Shelf is being sustained by students doing their practicum placements at IESL and ALHSI with advisement and assistance from staff of those offices.
“Our responsibilities include taking inventory, tracking usage forms, and outreach,” said Estrellita. “We also manage the SGA grant,” said Olivia. “To be in compliance and maintain our funding, we have to keep careful records and report back on our purchasing, promotion and user forms.” Raising awareness of the Silver Shelf, refining operations, and finding a new funding when the current grant expires in 2026 are among the challenges they and future IESL and ALHSI interns will address.
“We wish people were more aware of it, especially those who need it most,” said Olivia. She, Estrellita and the IESL and ALHSI teams will continuing to spread the word about this vital resource for and by students.
Having a Powerful Impact
Estrellita said working on the Silver Shelf has been personally meaningful. “I’ve utilized the Shelf, so I’m one of the students directly benefiting. Knowing that it is providing more stability for other students is especially rewarding.” She noted that she has heard from peers that the shelf is helpful whether they are short on funds or time.
“I’m a commuting student so sometimes I don’t have time to grab something to eat before I come here,” said Akua Amankwah, MSW ’25. “The Silver Shelf gives me easy access to a quick snack so in class I’m awake and able to focus.” Charlotte Kopelman, MSW ’26, said that she has celiac disease and often has trouble finding affordable gluten free food around campus. “It’s economically and emotionally exhausting. It’s especially nerve-wracking to eat in restaurants when I don’t know if there’s been cross-contamination. Here at the Shelf, I know from the packaging exactly what I’m getting.”
Olivia added that whenever a student fills out a user form, she and Estrellita get an email. “Every time I get that notification, I think to myself, I’m literally actively helping people eat and access other essentials.”
About NYU Silver School of Social Work
Founded in 1960 and renowned for a strong tradition of excellence in direct social work practice and dedication to social justice, NYU Silver has provided rigorous training to more than 20,000 social work practitioners and leaders in every area of the field, making it the leading destination for students who want to become innovative practitioners at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. The School has four campuses in the heart of New York City, Rockland County, Westchester County, and Shanghai.