Pioneer Pantry

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) 720-2023
Leslie Fischgrund, Senior Clerk, Campus Activities, Service & Leadership, (973) 720-2518, fischgrundl@wpunj.edu
Matthew 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.