The Rutgers Health Food Pantry has celebrated its third anniversary, marking over 365,000 pounds of food and other items distributed to the Rutgers Health community.

Established in September of 2021 to combat food insecurity on campus, the food pantry is open to Rutgers Health students, faculty and school and University Hospital staff. Since opening, the pantry has served more than 73,000 individuals and nearly 30,000 households – and those numbers continue to grow.

“When we opened, we thought the pandemic would be the height of need and things would get better,” said Joachim Sackey, associate professor in the department of Clinical and Preventative Nutrition at Rutgers School of Health Professions. “But with inflation and the cost of gas and groceries, the number of people using the pantry is growing.”

The pantry was created in conjunction with six other Rutgers Health schools after a survey by Sackey documented food insecurity among students, the pantry schedules pickups on Tuesdays and Fridays at its location on the ground floor of the Bergen Building in Newark.  On some days, more than 200 people are served. Mobile pantry events are held in the courtyard of the Medical Sciences Building on the medical school campus twice a semester.

Even as demand has risen, the pantry has been able to expand its offerings over the past three years. In addition to food items, they distribute diapers and baby wipes to those with children, and menstrual products and condoms to promote reproductive health. And if someone needs additional support, they can be connected with other public resources like SNAP or WIC.

“Our demographics are different than most colleges, because we are primarily graduate students who may have children or family to support,” said Sackey. “Whether someone donates food, or books or toothbrushes, we can find someone who needs it.”

Food is primarily sourced through the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, but the need for donations and volunteers remains great. Interested parties can support the pantry in a variety of ways beyond donations as well, from organizing a food drive in their department or to helping make a connection with an individual or organization for partnership.

After three successful years, the pantry continues to strive to reach any members of the RBHS community in need. “There’s a huge stigma for people to access help, and we actively work to make volunteers and clients comfortable and understand their stories,” encouraged Sackey. “If you need help, don’t worry. Just come.”

Please visit the Rutgers Health Food Pantry  Linktree to place an order, or for more information on how to donate or volunteer.