INFORMATION FOR
Established 2017
Located in SC 135A
Located at Speert Hall / Student Center, the Pioneer Pantry is a free resource for all currently enrolled William Paterson students who are experiencing food insecurity. The Pantry is funded by the generous donations from the WP community. As a food pantry, it provides items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and many other shelf-stable and limited fresh foods. Hygiene products, household necessities, and cleaning supplies may also available.
Founded in 2017, the Pantry is a collaboration between the Student Government Association (SGA), Office of Campus Activities, Service, and Leadership (CASL), and the division of Student Development.
Using the Pioneer Pantry
The Pioneer Pantry is a resource for students who are experiencing food insecurity. The pantry is available on a walk-in only basis, meaning students must come in-person to choose and receive items. Upon each visit, students will be asked to fill out either an online or paper sign-in form. Students may only visit the pantry once per week, and may select a limited amount of items based on their immediate need.
The pantry’s hours of operation are Monday - Friday (listed above). Hours may change during break periods. Accommodations may be made for students who are unable to visit the pantry during its regular operating hours. Please email fischgrundl@wpunj.edu for more information.
The Pioneer Pantry is open during student breaks when the University is open, including the summer, unless otherwise specified.
The Pioneer Pantry is always looking for new volunteers to work in the Pantry! Students can earn "credit" towards their WP LEADS Civic Engagement Badge. For more information, please email Leslie Fischgrund at fischgrundl@wpunj.edu
The Pioneer Pantry also accepts donations of non-perishable food items, personal hygiene, cleaning and paper products, and reusable shopping bags. Organizations wanting to host a donation drive are encouraged to reach out to Leslie Fischgrund for a list of needed items. Monetary donations can made through the Office of Institutional Advancement.Additionally, you can support the Pantry via our Amazon Wishlist and have items delivered directly to the Pantry!
Pantry Phone: (973) 720-2023Leslie Fischgrund, Senior Clerk, Campus Activities, Service & Leadership, (973) 720-2518, fischgrundl@wpunj.eduMatthew Mullins, Pioneer Pantry Coordinator, Campus Activities, Service & Leadership, (973) 720-3244, casl-mullinsm3@wpunj.edu
New Jersey's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NJ SNAP, provides food assistance to families and individuals with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets. Eligibility is set by several factors, such as income and resources. You can use SNAP benefits to stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy. More information and to apply can be found here, Additional Campus & Community Resources, under the food tab.
Pioneer PantryUniversity Commons Room 135AWilliam Paterson University300 Pompton RoadWayne, NJ 07470-2103973-720-2023
Spring 2025Hours of Operation:
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food security is defined as “physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” Food insecurity is "the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited, or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways."
Food insecurity is categorized into four levels: High Food Security, Marginal Food Security, Low Food Security, and Very Low Food Security.
High Food Security: No problems or limitations related to food access or availability.
Marginal Food Security: Concern that food will run out before being able to afford more.
Low Food Security: Reduced quality, variety, or desirability of food intake. A household at this level is also classified as “food insecure.”
Very Low Food Security: Disrupted eating patterns resulting in reduced food intake. A household at this level is also classified as “food insecure."
What does Food Insecurity Look Like?Food insecurity can be experienced in a number of different ways, for example:
