John Jay’s Food Pantry provides food-insecure students with a critical resource that helps them stay focused on earning a degree. “Our Food Pantry services include the pantry, food vouchers, direct food orders, and a breakfast and lunch program,” says Malaine Clarke, Food Bank Manager/Wellness Center Health Services & Emergency Funding Director. “Each week, approximately 70 students come into the Food Pantry for household essentials that would cost them approximately $150. On average, a family of three received enough food to cover at least three-square meals per day.”
Food Bank Manager Malaine Clarke, and President Karol V. Mason
Understanding that students cannot thrive when they’re hungry or worried about where their next meal is coming from, New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal recently secured Food Pantry funding, directly impacting students, including aspiring attorney Latonche Blackett ’25.
Major: International Criminal Justice
Mentor: Malaine Clarke
Hometown: Barbados
Career Aspiration: Lawyer and Judge
Why John Jay?
I immigrated from Barbados in 2023 because John Jay was my dream school. Growing up, I loved watching court television shows like Judge Judy. I was fascinated by all the judicial proceedings, testimonies, evidence, and rulings. I came to John Jay because I knew it would put me on the path to law school.
Why are you drawn to the legal profession?
I want to become a lawyer because I’ve seen how people who are different can be misunderstood and mistreated in the legal system. My uncle has a very noticeable stammer. He got in an accident once and was very frightened. His fear and anxiety made it even harder for him to get his words out. When he went to the police station regarding the accident, he started stammering even more than he would normally. They didn’t understand him and he didn’t get the treatment I felt he deserved. I want to help people like my uncle, people with disabilities, be heard in the legal system.
What has your experience with the Food Pantry been like?
At orientation, Miss Malaine introduced the Food Pantry to new students. She explained all the benefits the Pantry offers, but I was still very shy about using it. My pride was getting in the way. Then I realized how much it could help cut down my food bill and I started using it. As a student who has to pay her own rent, the Food Pantry has really helped me manage my money. Every week, I know I can stop in and get free food, such as: rice, milk, cornflakes, potato flakes, oatmeal, tuna, peas, salmon, chicken, beef, fruits, and lots of vegetables. I’ve made Shepherd’s Pie, salads with eggs, and different chicken and rice dishes.
I also work at the Food Pantry as a peer assistant. In this role, I assist students who are getting food, set up the breakfast and lunch programs, and distribute fresh produce. Whenever I’m working, Miss Malaine stops me and says, “Latonche, did you eat today?” If I haven’t, she insists that I stop and get some food. She always tells me that I can’t fulfill my goals if I don’t eat properly. She’s suggested different dishes I can make with the food I take home. The Food Pantry has been a blessing for me in so many ways. Because of the Food Pantry, I can pay my rent, continue my studies, and one day, become a lawyer and then a judge.
