Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry
The Middlesex College Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry is available to all currently registered Middlesex College students.
Our Mission is to connect our students with community resources that will improve their health, wellness, and security. Our pantry provides food, personal hygiene items, cleaning products at no cost. We are dedicated to building a culture of caring that recognizes students’ needs, provides thoughtful support, and empowers wellness and success in the classroom and beyond.
The Middlesex College Food Pantry was created in 2018 by a group of concerned faculty, staff, and alumni to address the issue of food insecurity facing our students. Food insecurity is defined as being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food. National studies have found that 50% of community college students are struggling with food insecurity. Our pantry protocols are constantly evolving to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19. We are dedicated to the continued support of our students during this difficult time.
In 2020 we expanded services to address a broader range of basic needs insecurity. We recognize that securing adequate food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare, technology, WIFI access, etc. are essential to wellness. We are dedicated to connecting our students with resources and support which empowers them and strengthens our community.
Who can visit the food pantry?
The pantry is available to all currently registered Middlesex College students.
- Before your first visit, please complete the Middlesex College Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry form.
- Check your student email account regularly for pantry news and other resources. Sign up with Student Life on Canvas for regular updates of pantry hours, special events, resources, and opportunities.
- Get your Middlesex College student ID, you will need this to visit the pantry. Student IDs are available in West Hall.
Students facing the challenge of basic needs insecurity (inadequate access to food, housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, etc.) are encouraged to contact Amanda Lyons, Community Resource Coordinator at alyons@middlesexcc.edu.
What can students expect when they visit the pantry?
- Everyone must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose, in the pantry, and inside all college buildings at all times.
- Only students utilizing the pantry are allowed inside (please do not bring friends or family with you). We are being very careful about limiting visitors to only shopping students for purposes of privacy, health, safety, and contact tracing.
- Please bring your student ID. You will use it to check-in at the desk when you arrive. We gather data on pantry usage to improve and expand service. Your personal information will be kept private. If you need a student ID they are available in West Hall.
- The pantry is set up like a little free grocery store. When you check-in you will be given a couple of bags to shop for whatever you’d like. Our pantry items are donated so what is in stock varies. We have shelf-stable foods, frozen foods prepared by our culinary students, toiletries, diapers, and home/cleaning products.
Where is the Community Resource Hub & Food Pantry?
Location: College Center rooms 170 & 171
Entrance on College Drive East at the rear of College Center, across from the Physical Education building, between parking lots 16 and 3.
Parking: visitor lot 3 (view map)
When is the pantry open?
Regular drop-in hours:
Wednesdays: 9:00 – 5:00
Thursdays: 10:30 – 6:30
How often may I visit?
Students may visit once a week to pick up a couple of bags of groceries.
Donations
Nonperishable food items, toiletries, and baby diapers & wipes can be donated by placing items in the contact-free outdoor bin which is located beside the door closest to the food pantry at the rear of the College Center (across from the Physical Education Center between parking lots 16 &3). You can also place items in the blue pantry collection bins in the lobbies of The Gateway building or West Hall.
Contact Amanda Lyons, Community Resource Coordinator, at alyons@middlesexcc.edu with any questions.
Items needed:
Dairy and Nondairy Milks
- Boxed, evaporated or powdered dairy or nondairy milk
Meat, Poultry, Fish (protein)
- Hearty non vegetarian soups and chili
- Canned or packaged tuna, salmon, chicken, turkey, beef
- Jerky (beef, turkey, etc.)
Beans, legumes, nuts (protein)
- Peanut and other nut butters
- Dried/canned lentils and beans
- Nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashew, etc.)
Grains
- Rice (bagged or boxed)
- Dry cereal
- Oatmeal, cream of wheat
- Dried pasta
- Baking mixes (pancakes, cornbread, muffins, biscuits, Bisquick, etc.)
Fruits and Vegetables
- Hearty vegetarian soups and chili
- Tomato sauce
- Canned fruits or vegetables
- Canned or instant potatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Dried fruit
- Fruit and vegetable juices
Fats, Oils, and Sweets
- Oils for cooking (canola, olive, vegetable)
- Jarred jams, jellies, or preserves
- Syrup
Personal hygiene/baby items
- Diapers and wipes
- Menstrual hygiene items
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Shampoo & conditioner
Making a financial contribution will help us to shop for the pantry and provide students with grocery gift cards.
Monetary donations enable us to shop and supplement the pantry’s offerings with the items most needed. Gift cards to Costco, Shop Rite or Stop & Shop are also welcome. Many thanks to all who help us build and strengthen our community through donations, volunteering and spreading awareness.
For questions or to donate contact Amanda Lyons, Community Resource Coordinator, at alyons@middlesexcc.edu
