Skip to content
Home » Story

Story

Meet Emily

Emily is a high school junior who loves to bake and cook in the family kitchen. She especially appreciates and enjoys good food. After hearing about college students in New York City who face food insecurity, she felt the need to raise awareness. After years of baking for friends and parties, she’s honed her craft—making cupcakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Now, she’s using her hobby and resources to bake for a cause: raising funds for New York Common Pantry.

Food insecurity among college students is real—and it’s growing.

Over 40% of CUNY students report experiencing low or very low food security. Many skip meals or rely on cheap, ultra-processed food just to get by.

Imagine choosing between studying and eating?

By baking and selling cupcakes, Emily hopes to start small but dream big—because small acts of kindness, done with consistency, can add up to something meaningful.

Each batch sold supports initiatives that help students access nutritious meals and build sustainable food resources on campuses.