Cougar Pantry steps up for food insecure students

By Lena Zhu | Published April 19, 2020

Many students are forced to self-quarantine during the COVID-19 crisis. Although this may be a slight inconvenience to some, there are still a number of struggling students not knowing when or where they are going to get their next meal. 

To Kean students who are struggling, Susan R. Figueroa, Managing Assistant Director for Community Service and Civic Engagement at the Kean University Center for Leadership and Service asserts that they should not be afraid to ask for support within the Kean community.  

“Assisting one another is how we get through each day, whether there is a pandemic or not,” Figueroa said. 

Food insecurity is a major issue among college students. According to a 2017 HopeCenter for College, Community, and Justice survey, about one-third of undergraduate students reported that they were food insecure.  

In New Jersey alone, the percentages of food insecurity is a little over nine percent in a population of nine million, according to a 2017 Feeding America research.  

However, in Union County, in a population of almost 550,000, a little over nine percent of the population reported some form of food insecurity.  

During this difficult time, Kean University’s Cougar Pantry is stepping up and helping students in need by providing care packages with essential needs. 

“The Cougar Pantry will respond to all students looking for supplemental items through a care package and direct them on how to pick up the package from Kean University Police or will match the student to food pantry resources closer to their home,” Figueroa said.  

Students who are in need of these care packages will have to make an appointment by emailing the Cougar Pantry at cougarpantry@kean.edu. Those who sign up for this program will receive instructions on a pickup date, time and location through email individually to maintain privacy.  

Although the Kean Food Pantry is currently not accepting offers or donations until they are permitted greater mobility as per Governor Murphy’s restrictive order on non-essential travel, there are still ways for the Kean Community to help one another.  

Susan R. Figueroa, Managing Assistant Director for Community Service and Civic Engagement at the Kean University Center for Leadership and Service, lets students know what they can do to help their fellow peers.  

“At all times, but especially with the uncertainty brought on by COVID-19, the Kean family can provide assistance by being good friends, good family members, and good neighbors,” Figueroa said. 

Figueroa urges students and faculty to use technology to check up on family, friends, and neighbors. She encourages those who have an abundance of food to share with others and help one another in this difficult time.  

“If there is a local resource that can assist with an immediate need, we want to make the connection for the student and their family,” Figueroa said. “The Community FoodBank of New Jersey also provides an online resource of searchable pantries by county throughout New Jersey.”  

Currently inactive during remote education is the Kean Food Recovery Program. The program seeks to avoid food waste through Remind 101. The app would notify those who chose to opt into the program when leftover food is available from any event held on campus.  

“With a fully operational program, all departments and programs across campus could report food available for pickup,” Figueroa said.  

 

 

 

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