The Basic Needs Center at Rutgers University is designed to support students facing challenges in accessing essential resources. These resources include food, housing, clothing, childcare, mental health services, financial resources, and transportation. The center aims to ensure that all students have their basic needs met, which is crucial for their overall well-being, academic success, and personal development. It provides a centralized location for students to access various resources.
The Basic Needs Center (BNC) will improve support:
- Centralized Services: The center will house multiple services under one roof, making it easier for students to access food assistance, financial aid, and other support programs without having to visit multiple locations.
- Increased Accessibility: With a dedicated space, the Basic Needs Center will offer extended hours and more consistent availability, ensuring that students can get help when they need it.
- Comprehensive Support: The center will not only provide food through the pantry and mobile pantry services but also offer guidance on enrolling in programs like SNAP and meal plan scholarships. This holistic approach ensures that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.
- Community Engagement: By creating a welcoming environment, the center aims to foster a sense of community among students, encouraging them to seek help without stigma and to participate in peer support networks.
Featured News Articles
“A Space Built on Compassion, Dignity, and Support”
This article covers the grand opening of the Basic Needs Center, featuring student testimonials and remarks from university leadership. It highlights how the center evolved from the campus food pantry into a comprehensive support hub offering food, clothing, housing assistance, and more.
➡️ Read the article“New Basic Needs Center Provides Enhanced Services in Comfortable Space”
A look into the redesigned and relocated center, emphasizing its welcoming environment and expanded services including counseling and community-building efforts.
➡️ Read more“Student Basic Needs and New Brunswick Farmers Markets Team Up”
This article explores how the Basic Needs Center collaborates with local farmers markets to increase access to fresh produce for students.
➡️ Explore the partnership“What UW-Madison Can Learn About Food Pantries from a Big Ten Rival” – Cap Times
This article compares Rutgers’ Basic Needs Center to efforts at UW-Madison, highlighting Rutgers as a model for how universities can support students with dignity and comprehensive services.
➡️ Read the article
Overall, the Basic Needs Center will streamline access to essential resources, making it easier for students to focus on their academic success without worrying about basic needs insecurity.
The center is part of the Division of Student Affairs and works to proactively address basic needs insecurity, ensuring that students can focus on their studies and personal growth without the burden of unmet basic needs.
Images of the Center
