INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University in Wayne has received a Hunger-Free Campus Act grant of $52,504 from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) to support campus-based resources, including its Pioneer Food Pantry and outreach connecting students with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“We appreciate this new round of State support for William Paterson’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity among our students,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. “Through our Pioneer Pantry, which has expanded to meet growing demand since its founding in 2017, and other resources, WP is committed to supporting our students’ personal as well as educational needs, so they have every opportunity to succeed and obtain the economic security that comes with a college degree.”
This year, OSHE applied a new equity-focused distribution model that considered each institution’s percentage of Pell Grant-eligible students to reach those experiencing the greatest need and to respond following disruptions in federal food assistance. For the 2026 fiscal year, OSHE awarded a total of $1.2 million to 36 institutions of higher education in the state.
William Paterson’s Pioneer Pantry is a free resource for all currently enrolled William Paterson students who are experiencing food insecurity. The Pantry is funded by generous donations. As a food pantry, it provides items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, many other shelf-stable, and limited fresh foods. Hygiene products, household necessities, and cleaning supplies are also available. The Pantry is a collaboration between the University’s Student Government Association, Office of Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership, and Division of Student Development.
