Stop & Shop partners with Central Connecticut State University to eradicate student hunger by donating $133,000 to Maria’s Place.

Terrence Cheng, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities chancellor, Zulma Toro, CCSU president, Derek Slap, Senator and Co-chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, Daniel Wolk, external communications manager at Stop & Shop, and Amily Colon, student volunteer and director at Maria’s Place, the on-campus food pantry.

Daniel Wolk acknowledged the leadership and hard work of Zulma Toro and elected officials. Wolk said the goal is to support local communities through collaboration with government entities, charitable organizations and colleges.

Slap said that there is an importance to supporting students facing hunger insecurity.

“People are surprised to learn that students often struggle with food insecurity. You know, many people may think they’re on a meal plan and they go to the cafeteria and whatever but that’s not always the case,” Slap said. “And especially when you have an institution like Central that welcomes nontraditional students. You know, many of them are working and they’re not necessarily living on campus.”

Slap said there should not be any negative connotations to seeking assistance.

“There is no shame, there should be no stigma and the more that we talk about it, the more that we highlight initiatives like this,” Slap said. “It’s actually I believe a sign of strength to be able to ask for that help. We want you to be successful. That would be my message. So please utilize what’s here, it’s here for you.”