Middlesex College has been awarded a Hunger-Free Campus Act Grant from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) to support students facing food insecurity.
As one of 34 institutions receiving funding, the college will use the grant to stock its Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry, provide grocery store gift cards, and expand access to hygiene and household essentials. The grant will also help sustain pantry operations and part-time staffing.
Amanda Lyons, community resource coordinator for counseling and student wellness, emphasized the growing demand for food assistance, noting that an average of 180 students visited the pantry weekly during the fall 2024 semester.
“Many of our students are working hard to improve their future while struggling to meet basic needs,” Lyons said. “This funding helps ensure they have access to essential resources so they can focus on their education and goals.”
Beyond food assistance, the Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry offers holistic support, including a diaper pickup program, a Chromebook Loaner program, and resources for housing, health care, and transportation.
“We are continuously expanding services to meet students where they are,” said Jennifer Spears, director of counseling and wellness. “Supporting basic needs contributes to student success, retention, and overall well-being.”
The pantry welcomes donations of food, toiletries, baby supplies, and school materials. To learn more or contribute, visit Middlesex College’s Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry.
