Many college students across the country are facing food insecurity. Montclair State University is stepping up to help with expanded pantry services, fresh food access, and student-focused efforts.
International graduate student Kaori Sakae discovered Montclair’s Red Hawk Pantry through Instagram. She remembers thinking, “These resources are free? Oh my gosh!” After volunteering there for months, she now works as a graduate assistant while pursuing her master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science.
Sakae understands firsthand how vital food security is for academic success. “If I was always hungry, I wouldn’t be able to succeed,” she shared. Her story highlights an important finding: research shows that unmet basic needs can harm students’ academic performance and mental well-being. The demand for support services on campuses is growing too, a trend seen nationwide. For example, a survey by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice revealed that 41% of students faced food insecurity during the spring semester of 2023.
Frances Jelks-Brown, Assistant Director of Student Access to Community Services, oversees the Pantry. “Food insecurity is a major concern for our students,” she noted. As the end of the semester approaches, students often run low on meal swipes, and those relying on SNAP benefits can face uncertainty about their assistance. Over the past six months, the Pantry has distributed over 57,000 pounds of food and essentials—more than what was distributed during the entire previous year.
Montclair’s Red Hawk Pantry started in 2016 after student surveys revealed that nearly half of college students face food insecurity. By 2019, the university launched its Hunger Free Campus Task Force, becoming New Jersey’s first four-year institution to open an on-campus food pantry. This initiative is part of a growing trend, as many colleges nationwide now have food pantries to assist students, especially given the pressures of rising living costs and economic challenges.
Fatima deCarvalho, senior associate dean in Student Development and Campus Life, compared the Pantry’s rise in visitors to wider societal trends. “When you see food insecurities increase in our society, you’re going to see the same concerns on our college campuses,” she explained.
The university collaborates efforts, with departments like the Student Health Center driving food collection initiatives. The Pantry provides food and personal hygiene items funded by donations and grants. However, demand is outpacing supply, leading to restrictions on how much food students can take at once.
One of the Pantry’s innovative partnerships is with the Food Recovery Network. This student-led group collects leftover meals from dining locations and delivers them to the Pantry, helping reduce waste and offer variety to students seeking help. Fresh produce also comes from Gourmet Dining and the campus community garden, which adds to the support provided to students. “Students leave with fresh fruits and vegetables,” Jelks-Brown stated.
Sakae mentioned that international students face unique challenges, including lack of federal aid and transportation issues. Ahmed Moussa, a student who is legally blind, highlighted how staff members ensure accessibility at the Pantry. “They’ve been a great help,” he said, noting the tailored support he receives.
Montclair is striving to reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity. Adela Caceres, director of Advocacy and Outreach, emphasized the university’s commitment to treating every visitor with respect and dignity. This welcoming approach has encouraged more students to seek the help they need.
Sakae finds joy in her work at the Pantry. “Every day is a new learning experience,” she stated, mentioning various dietary needs among students. Her ambition is to open a food pantry one day to teach healthy meal preparation.
Montclair recently secured a $52,000 grant to open a new food pantry at Bloomfield College, which will improve support for students. “If you don’t have money for food, you probably don’t have money for toiletries,” said deCarvalho. Meeting these needs is essential for students to thrive beyond academics.
Students at Montclair have access to many resources designed to support their well-being:
- Red Hawk Pantry: Offers free food, hygiene items, and essentials. Students must register at PantrySoft Registration.
- Shuttle Service: Provides transportation to nearby ShopRite stores that accept SNAP benefits on select days.
- Food Recovery Network: Collects meals from campus dining and redistributes them to those in need.
- Community Garden: Supplies fresh produce to the Pantry.
- Swipe Out Hunger: Allows students to donate unused meal swipes to peers in need.
- Registered Dietitian Program: Offers free counseling on food literacy and nutrition.
- Cans for Citations: A program where offering canned goods can reduce parking fines, with all donations going to the Pantry.
By focusing on addressing food security, Montclair State University empowers students not just to learn, but to thrive in their college journey.
