There's something new on the ground floor of the commons building at Corning Community College, and it's open for the whole community. This newly expanded pantry has canned goods, clothing, and personal hygiene items.

The hours are strategically designed to be opposite of the other pantries in the community.

"Increasing numbers of students are finding themselves in tough financial situations. We often pose it as, are you going to pay your tuition bill, your food bill, or, ya know, your electric bill this month? So this is one way that the college can help students lighten that burden a little bit," said Bill Mullaney, Corning Community College president.

The two refrigerators and the two freezers are a unique addition to the pantry, allowing fresh food to be available. This new space for the pantry is a major upgrade from the very small, closet-like space they had before.

"Not only with food insecurities becomes preparedness for getting jobs and interviewing skills, and so we've added this shelving area over here where we're taking donations for all kinds of clothing items. Particularly dress clothes, where they can go and get an interview outfit or if they have a class presentation. And there's casual clothing here, too, for anyone that's in need of some extra clothing," said Stacy Johnson, CCC assistant dean of Student Services.

Rebecca Velasco is one of the Baron Necessities Food Pantry student volunteers.

"Last year when I was in the dorms, I got to see firsthand a lot of people struggling," she said. "It feels really good giving back to people; getting to know their stories. Sometimes I know we have the same people come in here a couple times a week. So it’s really helpful getting to know them, they get to know me, so I feel like it’s a little more comfortable for them to coming in here once a week."

Their partnership with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier allows them to buy foods in bulk so that they can provide for the bare necessities of the community.