OceanFirst Grant Empowers OCC Food Pantry: A Boost for Community Support

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College just got a $2,500 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation. This funding will help students facing food insecurity through the school’s Helping Hands Food Pantry and boost volunteer efforts on campus.

This generous support was showcased during OceanFirst Bank’s annual CommUNITYFirst Day. Around 100 OceanFirst Bank WaveMakers teamed up with OCC staff to shop for groceries and stock the pantry for the fall semester.

“We really appreciate OceanFirst Foundation’s support,” shared Michelle Youngs, assistant director of Student Life at OCC. “With rising food prices, our students need our help now more than ever.”

Food insecurity is a big problem, affecting about one in four college students nationwide. At OCC, the need has escalated. The Helping Hands Food Pantry saw a staggering increase in visits: from 2,054 in the fiscal year 2023 to 7,582 in 2025.

“Thanks to partners like OceanFirst, we can address this growing need,” Youngs explained. “This grant helps us push towards a hunger-free campus. Everyone deserves support at some point.”

Established in 2018, the pantry provides food, drinks, and essentials for OCC and Kean Ocean students. Beyond this, it connects them with resources for housing and financial aid.

Recent data reveals that college students facing food insecurity has become a rising concern across the country. In a survey by the Hope Center, over 40% of community college students reported they had gone hungry at some point in their college journey. This highlights the increasing importance of food pantries in colleges.

As food prices continue to rise, initiatives like Helping Hands are vital. They not only provide immediate relief but also foster a supportive community for students. The partnership between organizations like OceanFirst and educational institutions is key to ensuring students succeed without the barrier of hunger.

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