This Giving Tuesday, the Mercy College community came together and raised funds for two Mercy initiatives that address the greatest needs of Mercy students so that they have the opportunity to succeed, and thrive, in college and beyond. Those initiatives include the Student Emergency Fund and the Mav Market, which provide critical resources for students who are facing unexpected financial challenges and basic needs insecurities.
The Student Emergency Fund was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help students recover from unexpected financial challenges and prevent one small emergency from derailing a student’s progress towards a degree. The fund offers financial support in the form of microgrants up to $500 for students who are experiencing an emergency.
“It is so important to give this year, because students are still experiencing the challenges that they’ve had the last couple of years through COVID,” said Nick Canzano, M.S ’13, Mercy College assistant dean of student affairs. “Whether it’s loss of job, loss of income, a medical emergency, we’re noticing that students are still having those challenges and still need that additional support.”
The Mav Market, Mercy’s community food pantry, provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where Mercy students can get wholesome foods and personal items free of charge. “I come here and it’s a way for me to feel safe and also feel like I’m not being judged when I need something,” said Mercy College student Anna Grant ’26. “I’m able to go to class now, and not be hungry.”
According to Julie Cruickshank, Mercy College’s basic needs manager, Grant is part of the approximately 58% of Mercy students who identify as being food insecure. “Even though the pandemic is behind us, the rates of food insecurity are higher than ever,” explained Cruickshank. “Unfortunately, when students find themselves having to pay increased prices for gas and transportation, they have to take from their food budget.”
Together, the Mercy College Student Emergency Fund and the Mav Market promote better academic and personal outcomes by helping Mercy students overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their success. Thank you to the many Mercy supporters who donated to these essential programs and further strengthened Mercy’s ability to serve the diverse needs of its student population.