New Online Ordering System Improves Access to Food Pantry

A new, user-friendly online ordering system has been launched for the Rutgers Health Food Pantry, improving access to food and other important resources provided to staff, faculty and, students.

As of April 22, those who use the pantry, located in the Bergen Building in Newark can register with their Rutgers NetID and place a food order time throughout the week for such items as canned goods, pasta, rice and, meat. The pantry inventory is updated each Monday after 2 pm. Items such as diapers and menstrual items are offered monthly on the second Tuesday.

“The new platform keeps the ordering window open longer, giving students greater flexibility,” said Jazmine Garcia, program assistant. “We’ll also now offer Thursday pickup options in addition to Tuesday and Friday.”

Established in September of 2021 to combat food insecurity on campus, the food pantry is open to students, faculty and school staff. Since opening, the pantry has served more than It has distributed more than 400,000 pounds of food to 1,900 individuals and 1,500 households.

Garcia said the pantry now is seeing a decrease in the items coming from its main supplier, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, as federal funding is cut and subsidies to farmers have diminished, which means a drop in fresh produce from local farms.

“We are applying for grants and forming partnerships with grocery stores to lessen the impact,” she said

Those who want to help can donate funds, food and other items; organize a food drive in their department; or to help make a connection with an individual or organization for partnership. An Amazon Wish List is also available for those who want to send specific items.