Research shows that students who are well-nourished tend to perform better academically and experience improved physical and mental well-being. However, food insecurity—defined by the USDA as limited or uncertain access to adequate food—remains a significant challenge for many college students.
To help address this issue, the Rutgers Student Food Pantry was established in Fall 2016 and has become a vital resource for students at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Located inside the Basic Needs Center in Room 112 of the College Avenue Student Center (126 College Ave), the pantry is one of over 20 in the New Brunswick area—but it is the only one dedicated exclusively to Rutgers students.
The pantry is stocked through generous contributions from Rutgers Against Hunger, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Replenish, and private donors. Any student enrolled at Rutgers–New Brunswick can access the pantry with a valid Rutgers ID card.
In addition to the main pantry, students can also receive support through the Mobile Food Pantry and Knight’s Pantry, with access available once per week across these services.
Impact For AY 2024-2025
- Total Visits (2024–2025 Academic Year): Approximately 9,600
- Unique Student Visitors: Over 1,700
Many of these students support families, meaning the total number of individuals impacted is significantly higher.
