Food Security

Food security is essential to student success, health and well-being. At Montclair State University, we are committed to understanding and addressing the challenges students face in accessing affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

Through research, campus partnerships and student-centered programs, the University continues to expand resources that support students and reduce barriers to academic success.
 

Understanding Food Security

Food security means having reliable access to enough nutritious food to support an active, healthy life.

Food insecurity can affect anyone and may include:

  • Skipping meals due to financial concerns
  • Worrying about running out of food
  • Limited access to nutritious or culturally appropriate foods
  • Choosing between food and other essential expenses

Addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach that combines education, support services, community partnerships and direct assistance.

View the Full Food Security Report 

View the New Jersey Student Hunger Audit

Our Commitment

Montclair State's commitment to food security began in 2016 when student-led research identified significant needs related to food and basic necessities.
In response, the University opened the Red Hawk Pantry, becoming the first four-year institution in New Jersey to establish an on-campus food pantry. Since then, numerous campus partners have collaborated to expand resources and develop innovative solutions, including:

  • Red Hawk Pantry
  • Food Champion Program
  • Food Recovery Network
  • Swipe Out Hunger
  • Campus Community Garden
  • NJ SNAP enrollment support
  • Shopper Shuttle transportation services

These efforts are coordinated through the Hunger-Free Campus initiative and supported by state grants and campus partnerships.

Hunger-Free Campus Task Force

Established in 2019, the Hunger-Free Campus Task Force brings together faculty, staff, students and community partners to address food insecurity through a coordinated campus-wide approach.

Vision

Food insecurity and hunger will be eliminated at Montclair State University.

Mission

To promote a comprehensive and unified approach to achieving food security through research, education and engagement.

The task force meets throughout the academic year and guides strategic initiatives focused on improving food access and student well-being.

Goals

Outreach and Assessment

  • Develop strategies to reduce hunger and increase participation in assistance programs
  • Conduct ongoing research and annual food security assessments
  • Identify innovative solutions and best practices

Education and Engagement

  • Create educational programming related to food security
  • Provide experiential and service-learning opportunities
  • Coordinate campus awareness initiatives

Communication and Awareness

  • Maintain food security resources and information
  • Increase awareness of available support services
  • Promote public understanding of food insecurity

What We Have Learned

Since 2019, Montclair State researchers have conducted regular food security assessments using a modified version of the USDA Household Food Security Survey.

Findings consistently demonstrate that food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many college students.

Key Findings

  • Nearly half of surveyed students reported experiencing food insecurity between 2022 and 2024
  • More than one-quarter of respondents reported very low food security, the most severe category
  • Food insecurity rates among surveyed students exceeded national household averages
  • Students from historically underserved populations were more likely to report food insecurity

These findings continue to inform campus programs, services and resource allocation.

Progress and Milestones

2016

  • Student research identifies food insecurity concerns
  • Red Hawk Pantry opens

2017

  • Food Recovery Network chapter established

2018

  • Campus Community Garden launched

2019

  • First campus-wide food security audit conducted
  • Hunger-Free Campus Task Force formed

2021

  • Designated a New Jersey Hunger-Free Campus
  • Received first state Hunger-Free Campus grant
  • Swipe Out Hunger launched

2022-Present

  • SNAP enrollment assistance expanded
  • Shopper Shuttle introduced
  • Additional state grants awarded
  • Continued growth of pantry services and food recovery efforts

Resources and Support

Montclair State University provides a variety of resources and programs to help students access food, meet basic needs and navigate food insecurity. From direct assistance to educational and community-based initiatives, support is available throughout the year.

Provides food, personal care items and basic necessities to students, faculty and staff.

Distributes surplus food from catered campus events to enrolled participants.

Recovers excess food and redirects it to individuals and organizations in need.

Allows students to donate meal swipes to support fellow Red Hawks.

Provides support with determining eligibility and applying for benefits.

Offers transportation to local grocery stores and food retailers.

Looking Ahead

While significant progress has been made, food insecurity continues to affect many students.

Montclair State University remains committed to:

  • Expanding awareness of available resources
  • Improving access to food assistance programs
  • Supporting high-risk student populations
  • Increasing culturally responsive food options
  • Continuing research and assessment efforts
  • Building partnerships that strengthen food security across our community

Through collaboration, education and action, we strive to ensure every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Contact Us

For questions about food security initiatives, the Hunger-Free Campus Task Force or available resources, email: hungerfreecampus@montclair.edu