Red Hawk Pantry Campaign Surpasses its Goal

Thanks to the generosity of Montclair State University students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni, the Red Hawk Pantry Campaign surpassed its goal of raising $10,000 by August 31, 2016, to help the new on-campus food pantry become self-sustaining. The tally as of September 14 was $10,835 and counting!

Established in April by Student Development and Campus Life, the Red Hawk Pantry serves the needs of students who may be struggling with issues of food insecurity – a situation that an on-campus survey showed affects more than 10 percent of our students.

“In an effort to serve the needs of our students both inside and outside the classroom, we must address and battle the issue of food insecurity on our campus,” notes Associate Dean of Students Fatima deCarvalho.

In July, the University launched the fundraising campaign to support the pantry and allow it to become self-sustaining and continue to serve the needs of our students. Gifts to the campaign helped the Red Hawk Pantry to offer more hours, stock more supplies and expand its services to students. The funds raised will also help in the future as student needs grow and the pantry expands. There are plans to provide a refrigeration system along with fresh milk and produce.

“Food donations are beyond important, and we have been lucky enough to receive so many generous donations to help us help our own,” says Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Stacy Albanese. “While we are always happy to accept food donations, the financial support we received during the campaign is what we truly needed. I am thrilled that we passed our goal of $10,000 and want to thank everyone who gave.”

And it’s not too late to contribute! Although August 31 has passed, you can still support the Red Hawk Pantry with an online gift. The need is still there, and since September is Hunger Action Month, now is the perfect time to make your gift online! We encourage all alumni to consider supporting this important cause.

For more information on the Red Hawk Pantry, contact Sonja Tillman, Student Development and Campus Life, at tillmans@mail.montclair.edu or 973-655-3434.