Mav Market

Q: What is the Mav Market?
A: The Mav Market is Mercy University's food and resource pantry, open to all students, staff, and faculty. We provide food, snacks, and toiletries, as well as additional resources such as federal benefit eligibility pre-screeners, SNAP assistance, and nutrition education. We are completely free, confidential, and open to all!

Q: How does the Mav Market work?
A: Members may visit the Mav Market on any campus during weekly open hours. Upon arrival, our staff members will check you in (or sign you up if you are not already a member!) and tell you your weekly point allocation based on your family size. Each item within the Market has a point value, and you are free to shop for whatever items you need until you have reached your weekly point number. We operate on a trust system, so we do not count points or check bags. We recommend everyone brings their own reusable bag!

Q: Where is the Mav Market located?
A: Find us in the Bronx in Room 2221, Westchester in Main Hall Room 115, and Manhattan in Room 329!

Q: When are open hours?
A: The Mav Market is open for in-person shopping during the academic year. Please find our Fall 2023 open hour schedule below:

Westchester - Mondays: 2pm-5pm, Tuesdays: 12pm-3pm, and Wednesdays: 10am-12pm & 2pm-5pm
Manhattan - Mondays: 12pm-5pm, Tuesdays: 3pm-6pm, and Wednesdays: 3pm-6pm
Bronx - Mondays: 10am-2pm, and Wednesdays: 12pm-2:45pm

Q: What if I cannot visit a pantry during open hours, but I am in need?
A: If you are in need of food assistance outside of open hours, please email us at mavmarket@mercy.edu for directions on how to submit an Emergency Food Request Form. Online forms can be submitted weekly to schedule a pick-up of a pre-packaged bag of food on any campus.

Q: How many times can I visit the Mav Market each month?
A: You may visit the Mav Market once per week at any campus pantry location. Please note that the Mav Market is closed during Mercy University recognized holidays and breaks.

Q: When can I receive refrigerated perishable / frozen items?
A: If you would like to receive cold or frozen items, you must visit us during open hours. Please note that all items are quantity dependent, and bringing a reusable grocery bag is highly recommended.

Q: Do I need to pay for items from the Mav Market?
A: No! The Mav Market is completely free and open to all students, faculty, and staff.

Q: I'm not experiencing food insecurity or hunger, can I still pick up some snacks from the Mav Market?
A: Of course! If you are hungry throughout the day, we are here to help. A granola bar could be the difference between a B and an A, and we want to make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed.

Q: What if I am in need of a meal while on campus?
A: Any enrolled student may submit a Mav Meal Swipe Request Form to request a voucher that will provide a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal swipe in the dining facilities on the Westchester or Manhattan campuses.

Q: I'm graduating from Mercy, but I still need help. Can I come to the Mav Market?
A: If you are in need of assistance after graduating, please let us know so we can help you find the appropriate resources, including food pantries in your area, how to apply for SNAP/EBT and WIC, and any other needs you may have. Check out our Resources Guide for helpful links, or send us an email at mavmarket@mercy.edu.

Q: Can I volunteer with the Mav Market?
A: Yes! Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to get started!

Q: What would I do as a volunteer?
A: Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks, including checking members in, inventory, stocking shelves, picking up donations, social media, planning events, and much more! Whatever your interests are, we have something for you to do.

Q: Can I design a project for the Mav Market for academic credit?
A: Absolutely, the Mav Market encourages students to participate in a way that is meaningful for them. We will gladly work with you and your professor to design a project that enriches your perspective and helps the Mav Market.

Q: Can I donate items to the Mav Market?
A: Yes! We accept donations all year long. Please check out our Amazon Wishlist or Target Wishlist to view the items we are most in need of and ship them directly to our door! If you would like to drop off an in-person donation, please visit us during open hours or email us at mavmarket@mercy.edu to schedule a drop off time!

Q: Can I make a financial contribution to the Mav Market?
A: Yes, thank you for the support! Please visit the Mav Market Fund page for more information.

Q: What kind of items are you looking for?
A: We accept all non-perishable food items, toiletries, and menstrual products. We are in highest need of on-the-go meals, pasta, rice, cereal, and snacks. We also accept baby items, pet food, and personal hygiene products!

Q: I have some perishable items or produce that I'd like to donate. Is there a way to do that?
A: Please email us at mavmarket@mercy.edu to arrange a time to drop off your donation, and we will get it into the fridge. We want to ensure the highest level of food safety for our members, which means ensuring all products are stored in the proper conditions.

Q: Do you accept frozen foods?
A: Yes! 

Q: I have items that are past the sell-by or use-by date. Can I still donate them?
A: Yes! Our volunteers have been trained to determine the quality of products. We sort through all donations to ensure all of our products are safe for consumption, so you can donate with confidence.