With Thanksgiving around the corner, many like to give back to others and their community. At Kean, the community is always there for each other and strives to give back as much as possible. The Cougar Pantry at Kean University is there for those in need this Thanksgiving season. 

The Cougar Pantry, alongside the Student Government Association Class of 2025, hosted the Thanksgiving Pantry Drive. Between Friday, November 11, and Friday, November 18, students dropped off their donations to Miron Student Center, Room 309. The following items were accepted for donations: 

• Condiments/Oils/Salad Dressing Packages
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• General Hygiene Products
• Microwaveable Rice/Pasta/Potatoes/Meals
• Shelf Stable Milk/Almond Milk
• Snacks
• Spices
• Tea Bags/Instant Coffee
• Trail Mix/Cereal 
• Water bottles

“My class board and I felt that this would be the perfect way for students to give back to their campus community, making a large difference with a small act of generosity,” said Student Government Association Class of 2025 President Makenzie Kuntz.

The Cougar Pantry is the university’s food pantry for all students facing food and financial insecurity. The pantry contains an assortment of goods including non-perishable foods and health and hygiene products. Cougar Pantry is located in Downs Hall and is open to all in the Kean community experiencing such insecurities. 

“The Student Government Association Class of 2025 decided a collaboration with the Cougar Pantry would be best, as it serves our very own students,” said Kuntz. 

When items are donated to the Cougar Pantry, they are readily available for access. Any students who need the aforementioned items are welcomed and encouraged to take what they need.

“We hope that this becomes a long lasting tradition not only for the Class of 2025, but for future SGA classes to come,” Kuntz said. 

To collect items needed, students only need to present their Kean Student ID card. One should also schedule an appointment to visit the pantry by contacting cougarpantry@kean.edu. 

“Personally, I think the best thing about the Cougar Pantry is that it builds our sense of community as a university," said Kuntz. "All around, it is a fantastic resource on campus, and we are excited to be collaborating with the Cougar Pantry!” 

As the Thanksgiving Pantry Drive comes to an end, the Cougar Pantry is always open to collecting donations. If students want to give back this season, the Cougar Pantry is a great place to start.