In observance of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 17-24) and the upcoming holiday season, the Middlesex College Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry seeks donations for students in its community struggling with food insecurity.
The Pantry, which has had over 500 students register since the start of the fall semester, requests donations of nonperishable food items, including shelf-stable proteins (canned meats, tuna and beans), pasta, rice, dal, microwavable meals, etc. The Pantry also seeks reusable shopping bags.
Established in 2018, the Middlesex College Community Resource Hub and Food Pantry was created to address the issue of food insecurity facing students — providing food, personal hygiene items and cleaning products at no cost. Since reopening in September, the Pantry has already received 1,623 student visits.
“The Hub and Pantry program allowed me to eat when I would not have otherwise,” said one student, who is a weekly pantry guest.
“It is hard to focus on your studies and set goals when struggling to keep a roof over your head and food on the table,” said Middlesex College community resource coordinator Amanda Lyons. “We are here to support students securing their basic needs so they know that they are not alone in these tough times, they belong here, are cared for and their dreams are attainable.”
Donations can be collected in an outdoor bin located at the back of the College Center (off College Drive East across from the Physical Education Center, between parking lots 16 and 3) as well as several other locations on the Middlesex College Edison Campus — 2600 Woodbridge Avenue in Edison.
Donations can also be made online via the Middlesex College Foundation‘s secure donation link.
