Food Security at Montclair
Resources for you including the Red Hawk Pantry, SNAP Benefits, Shopper Shuttles and more!
Posted in: Announcements, Featured News
Many members of our campus community have faced food insecurity, in a recent campus survey we found four in every 10 students, who responded to the survey, may be experiencing food insecurity. We are committed to continue our efforts to address the issue of hunger and food insecurity for the members of our campus community.
Red Hawk Pantry
To combat the reality and struggle of food insecurity for our community, the Red Hawk Pantry was built. On April 18, 2016, the Pantry opened for the first time and continues to serve the needs of our campus community.
Currently, the Red Hawk Pantry carries personal hygiene items, school supplies, non-perishable items, frozen items and fresh fruits and vegetables and it exists to provide comfort and ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to succeed, both academically and personally.
Guidelines for the Red Hawk Pantry
Students are allowed to come once a week during our open hours. If our open hours do not correlate with your schedule, please email redhawkpantry@mikeshiner.com. Starting this school year, all students are also required to register through PantrySoft to access the Red Hawk Pantry. Make sure you sign up and create an account before your next visit!
Please Note: Students who have an unlimited meal plan are encouraged to only grab school supplies and personal hygiene items at the Red Hawk Pantry.
SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
As part of an ongoing effort to support our students, Montclair State University is promoting food assistance programs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that can help individuals and families with low incomes buy the groceries they need. Eligibility depends on several factors like income, household size, resources, etc., see below for examples.
Students may be eligible that have either a zero ($0) expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA or if you were approved for the federal work-study program during the academic year. Check to determine your eligibility and view instructions on how you can apply for SNAP.
For more assistance with SNAP eligibility and the application, please contact the Community Food Bank of New Jersey or the Montclair State University Student Support Services Case Manager at craiga@mikeshiner.com. For the most up-to-date information on where you can use your SNAP benefits off-campus, please visit the SNAP locator map.
Additional Support and Resources
- Hunger-Free Campus Task Force: They have goals and meet regularly with the overarching mission to eliminate student-hunger.
- The Food Champion Program: Intended to provide occasional support to students who are experiencing food insecurity while also reducing waste by making food left over from catered events available for pickup.
Transportation
During the fall and spring semesters, the University runs a shuttle that transports from campus (at the Red Hawk Deck shuttle stop) to the following locations. Get the Shuttle Schedule.
- ShopRite Shuttle: As part of the Hunger-Free Grant, we provide transportation to local supermarkets that offer SNAP benefits. Transportation Services will be providing one bus on Wednesdays going to and from Red Hawk Deck to ShopRite Little Falls on a looping schedule.
- Saturday Shopper Shuttle: This shuttle transports you to and from the Clifton Commons shopping mall which includes Target and Stop & Shop every Saturday!
Want to Help?
You can donate to the Red Hawk Pantry at any time! You can make a gift online or donate Learn More.
Check out the Hunger Free Campus website for more information and resources or feel free to email hungerfreecampus@mikeshiner.com.