On Tuesday, November 18, Kean University Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the Annual Food Bank Luncheon, collecting canned goods and basic care items to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and Cougar Pantry. Kean’s undergraduate and graduate students can shop at the Cougar Pantry, located in Down Hall, which provides perishable and non-perishable goods.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the occasion welcomed guests in the Cougar Den featuring a live performance from Kean's saxophone quartet, The Saxsations, as attendees enjoyed food and drinks. Students, faculty, and staff donated pantry items in support of those who lack sufficient access to food, which negatively impacts public health, social stability, and the economy.
Daniel Santos, a Senior Business Management major from Newark, NJ, and SGA Vice President of Public Relations, shared the ideology that helping to donate can make a difference.
“The goal for our Luncheon is to target any students that may not get the chance to spend time with their families, so we give them that kind of experience to feel that no matter where they are, they’re welcome here at Kean,” Santos said. “It is also to give back to the CFBNJ, for those who are starving and are in need.”
CFBNJ serves as one of the largest food distribution system centers, providing meals to help combat food insecurity, partnering with schools to help expand nutritious food across New Jersey.
Evelyn Chiu, Director, Special Events & Community Outreach for CFBNJ, shared the organization's goals in helping NJ become healthier through long-term solutions.
"Our focus is the immediate needs and what's the solution we can provide right now, which includes the food distribution and any emergency needs that come up that we need to address," Chiu said. "We have a workforce development/job-training program that can really give people the opportunity to have livable wages, meaning they can provide more income for the family, so they don’t have to rely on SNAP or food banks to get food."
Chiu shared her gratitude for The Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) strong partnership with CFBNJ, as Kean students regularly volunteer to help their mission through campus initiatives and pantry efforts. The luncheon also highlighted student leaders' voices who support the Cougar Pantry and discussed the impact of CFBNJ’s work on campus.
Janayssa Arcia, a Senior Criminal Justice major from Franklin Park, NJ, and CLS Senior Service Specialist, shared her gratitude for working closely with the CFBNJ and reflecting on Cougar Pantry.
“I very much enjoy working with the CFBNJ; it's something I have done multiple times on different occasions, and being part of an event that financially supports an organization is very important,” Arcia said. “The Cougar Pantry is an outlet for students to have the ability to seek food insecurity help, when needed; they’re very flexible and have lockers for students for student to get their items.”
As the event continued, CLS leaders discussed pantry needs and encouraged participation in future CFBNJ volunteer opportunities.
Gabriela Fletcher, a Freshman Psychology major from Union, NJ, and CLS Leader Specialist, shared the importance of raising awareness for students' well-being.
"I think students should understand that they’ll never know where they’ll be tomorrow; take in the day for what it is, as well as support everybody as much as possible," Fletcher said. "Maybe the next day, you might find out that you may be in the predicament where you do need resources, and you would want someone to show up for you."
As Kean moves forward to combat food insecurity, students may show their support by making online donations or purchasing needed items from local food pantry platforms. With opportunities to volunteer with CFBNJ, Kean’s ongoing commitment to the Cougar Pantry reflects its dedication to students' well-being
