INFORMATION FOR
At William Paterson University, supporting students means caring for the whole person — including their well-being beyond the classroom. The University’s Pioneer Pantry continues to make a powerful difference for students facing food insecurity, offering not just food, but hope and dignity.
Student Need is Growing
Over the past year, student visits to the Pioneer Pantry have surged:
Each visit represents a student striving to stay focused on their education, even when basic necessities are hard to afford.
Another way the institution is fighting food insecurity is through its new Swipe Out Hunger program. Through the program, WP students donate unused dining hall meal “swipes” to classmates in need. Since February, these donations have provided over 100 emergency meal plans of five meals each. The emergency meal plans are distributed by the campus social worker. Those students who have donated swipes were recognized for their philanthropy during a campus event on October 28 spearheaded by WP’s Office of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy. Many of those students will now serve as Hunger Heroes – ambassadors for the Pioneer Pantry, helping to both raise awareness and solicit donations on campus and beyond.
Community Support in Action
Thanks to a $56,250 Hunger-Free Campus Grant from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the pantry expanded its hours, added fresh produce and dairy, improved accessibility with a new permanent ramp, and hired a part-time operations coordinator and student staff. Located in Speert Hall, the pantry also provides nutritious food items and limited cleaning and hygiene products to enrolled students — no questions asked.
Partnerships with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, CUMAC, and Girls Helping Girls Period supplied more than 22,800 pounds of food and hundreds of personal care items last year.
The Pioneer Pantry is supported through grants, community partners, and generous contributions from the WP community. To support the pantry, or other meaningful projects on campus during this fall season of giving, visit our Fall Giving webpage.
In true Pioneer fashion, many WP professors, staff, and students leave donations for the pantry in a designated bin by the door, and the facility’s freezer was purchased thanks to a donation from retired WP professor emerita of public health Jean Levitan.
“Pioneers helping Pioneers is truly the spirit of the Pantry and our efforts to assist students with food insecurity,” says Director of Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership Donna Minnich-Spuhler, who oversees the facility. “From students donating their meals, to student organizations, departments, alumni and families supporting the pantry with donations of food and funds, the pantry brings the University community together. Students who utilize these resources are grateful for the assistance, and we are humbled to be able to help them achieve their goals.”
