Montclair State Opens On-Campus Food Pantry

To combat the reality and struggle of food insecurity for our students, Student Development and Campus Life has established an On-Campus Food Pantry. On April 18, the on-campus food pantry opened for the first time and continues to serve the needs of our students. To assess these needs, a survey was sent to all students prior to the opening of the pantry. Of the nearly 200 Montclair State students surveyed, 10% expressed food insecurity on a daily basis, while 15% expressed a need on weekly basis and 12% on a monthly basis.

“In an effort to serve the needs of our students both inside and outside the classroom, we must address and battle the issue of food insecurity on our campus,” says Fatima deCarvalho, Associate Dean of Students.

Beginning July 1, the University will be launching a fundraising campaign to help sustain the pantry and allow it to remain open monthly during the summer. In the fall semester, the pantry will be open regularly and by appointment as needed.

“Food donations are beyond important, and we have been lucky enough to receive so many generous donations to help us help our own,” says Stacy Albanese, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. “While we are always happy to accept food donations, what we truly need in order to sustain the pantry is your financial support.”

The Red Hawk Callers, representing The Fund for Montclair State, will be on the phones reaching out to alumni, parents and staff to support this important initiative. In addition to a phone campaign, be on the lookout for emails and social media messages to help spread the word. As student needs grow and the pantry expands, there is a plan to provide a refrigeration system along with fresh milk and produce.

If you’d like to support the on-campus food pantry, you can make your gift online. To donate goods, you can bring your donation to the Center for Student Involvement in the Montclair State University Student Center, 1st floor. Most-needed items include canned proteins and grab and go items such as granola bars. In addition to food, the pantry is also collecting toiletries.

For more information on the on-campus food pantry, contact Sonja Tillman, Student Development and Campus Life, at tillmans@mail.montclair.edu or 973-655-3434.

For more information on the campaign to support the pantry, contact Hillary Brintle at brintleh@mail.montclair.edu or 973-655-7460.