Mav Market
Welcome to the Mav Market: Mercy鈥檚 Food & Resource Pantry
The Mav Market is a judgment-free, inclusive, and confidential resource for 麻豆社区 students, staff, and faculty experiencing food insecurity, providing access to nutritious food and personal care items at no cost. By easing the burden of securing basic needs, the Mav Market empowers students to stay focused on their studies and reach their full potential as Mavericks. Students should go to class hungry for knowledge, not for food. If you can鈥檛 afford balanced meals or sacrifice food to pay bills, know that you don鈥檛 have to choose.
What is Food Insecurity?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a 鈥渉ousehold-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food,鈥 while 鈥渉耻苍驳别谤鈥 is the physiological feeling resulting from experiencing food insecurity.
Below are some questions you can ask yourself to help better understand if you are experiencing food insecurity.
In the past 12 months:
- I worried whether my food would run out before I got money to buy more.
- The food that I bought just didn't last, and I didn't have money to get more.
- I couldn't afford to eat balanced meals.
- I cut the size of my meals or skipped meals because there wasn't enough money for food.
- I ate less than I felt I should because there wasn鈥檛 enough money for food.
- I was hungry but didn鈥檛 eat, because there wasn鈥檛 enough money for food.
Questions used by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assess food insecurity.
Interested in Donating to Us?
Thank you to our partners for their continued generosity and support of our mission with the Mav Market:
- Feeding Westchester
- Food Bank for New York City
- The Rivertowns Rotary Club
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Mav Market Resources & Guides
Check out these resources to learn more about federal benefits, food pantries near you, healthy eating, and more!
Sign up as a Mav Market member!
Sign up by clicking the "Login at 麻豆社区" button and filling out the registration form.
Forms must be resubmitted once per academic year.
*The Mav Meal swipe application is closed for the Spring 2025 term. Please check back in the beginning of the Fall 2025 term.
The Mav Meal Swipe initiative is intended to support students experiencing food insecurity by providing a meal swipe voucher that can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the following locations:
- Westchester Campus - Hudson View Cafe
- Manhattan Campus - Herald Square Cafe
Any currently enrolled student can submit a request to receive a meal swipe voucher. You do not need to be a Mav Market member to submit a request.
FAQs on the Mav Market
Q: What is the Mav Market?
A: The Mav Market is 麻豆社区'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 1250, Westchester in Main Hall Room 115, and Manhattan in Room 329!
Q: When are open hours?
A: Open hours for the Fall 2025 term are as follows:
Coming soon!
If you are in need of immediate assistance, please email us at mavmarket@mercy.edu
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 麻豆社区 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 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: No, at this time we are not able to host volunteers. If you are looking to fulfill community service hours or you are an organization looking to partner with us, please reach out to our Basic Needs Manager, Matthew Pangburn, directly at mavmarket@mercy.edu.
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.
Mav Market Annual Report
Additional Information
Hours & Locations
Westchester Campus
Main Hall 115
Hours: TBD
Bronx Campus
Room 1250
Hours: TBD
Manhattan Campus
Room 329
Hours: TBD
Donations
Join us to fight hunger with a gift to the .
You can also donate items in-person at any of our locations. Please email us at mavmarket@mercy.edu to arrange a drop-off time!
Donate online using our or Target Wishlist.