MCC Cares Food Pantry
Our Mission is to offer our students food and personal hygiene items 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 MCC Cares 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.
The MCC Cares Food Pantry is a free resource available to all current MCC students. 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. Let’s stay connected! We are all in this together.
To access the food pantry:
- Complete MCC Cares Food Pantry form.
- You will then be contacted to sign up for an appointment on either Monday or Thursday between 9am and 5pm. Alternative arrangements are possible.
Students facing the challenge of any basic need insecurity (food, housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, safety, etc.) are encouraged to contact Amanda Lyons, Basic Needs Coordinator at alyons@middlesexcc.edu
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, Basic Needs 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, Basic Needs Coordinator, at alyons@middlesexcc.edu
All students are encouraged to click the link below to join the Student Life Office Canvas page for MCC Cares Food Pantry updates and more.
Members of the Middlesex County College community are encouraged to click the links below for information on local resources and more.
