Hunger-Free Campus

Montclair State University is committed to reducing food insecurity and ensuring every student has access to nutritious food and essential resources. Through campus programs, community partnerships and support services, we are working to remove barriers to student success and build a healthier, hunger-free community.

Our Commitment

Montclair State became the first four-year university in New Jersey to open an on-campus food pantry and continues to expand resources that support student well-being.

As a designated Hunger-Free Campus, the University provides access to food assistance programs, emergency resources and educational initiatives that help students meet their basic needs and focus on their academic goals.

Get Support

Food insecurity can affect anyone, and support is available.

Whether you're looking for immediate assistance, information about benefits programs or ways to get involved, Montclair State is committed to helping students access the resources they need.

Contact Hunger-Free Campus Initiatives
A tree with white flowers and a bell tower in the distance

Food Champion Program

The Food Champion Program helps reduce food waste while providing additional support to students experiencing food insecurity.

When food is available from catered campus events, students who have opted into the program receive a notification and may pick up available food at no cost.

How It Works

  • Enroll in the Food Champion Canvas course for the Montclair campus, Bloomfield campus or both
  • Receive a Canvas notification when food is available
  • Bring a clean, reusable container and utensils when possible
  • Pick up food within 30 minutes of the notification

Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and is available to currently enrolled students on both campuses.

Food Assistance Programs

Students may qualify for federal and state programs that help make groceries and nutritious food more affordable.

NJ SNAP provides monthly benefits to eligible individuals and families to help purchase food and groceries.

More Information on NJ SNAP

WIC offers nutritious foods, nutrition education and support services for eligible pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants and children up to age five.

More Information on WIC 

Find nearby grocery stores and retailers that accept SNAP benefits.

More Information on SNAP Retail Locator 

Community Food Resources

Additional food assistance resources are available both locally and statewide.

Resources include:

  • Food banks and pantries
  • Community meal programs
  • Emergency food assistance
  • Farmers markets that accept SNAP and WIC benefits
  • Healthy eating and grocery budgeting resources

Whether you need immediate assistance or ongoing support, these programs can help connect you with food resources in your area.

Student-Led Initiatives

student holding tote bag full of fruits and veggies

Food Recovery Network

The Food Recovery Network is a student-led effort focused on reducing food waste and addressing hunger.

Founded at Montclair State in 2017, the organization works to recover surplus food and redirect it to community organizations and individuals in need.

students serving themselves food at event

Swipe Out Hunger

Swipe Out Hunger helps address student hunger through donated meal swipes.

Students with eligible block meal plans can donate unused meal swipes during designated drives held throughout the academic year. Donated swipes help support fellow Red Hawks experiencing food insecurity.

Research and Campus Impact

Understanding student needs is an important part of addressing food insecurity.

Through partnerships with the Campus Community Garden, Food Recovery Network and Red Hawk Pantry, Montclair State has conducted food security audits and surveys to better understand the challenges students face.

Findings from these efforts continue to inform resource development, support services and Hunger-Free Campus initiatives.

View the Food Security Report

Contact Us