pantry+ at RU-N

Need emergency food and can't access the pantry? Click here to view a map of emergency pack locations and hours. Emergency packs at RUPD are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to check the hours for all other locations.

These packs are meant to help for one or two days until the student can access the food pantry and other assistance resources. Packs are available to all students, no questions asked. 

If you are having trouble accessing the pantry during our open hours, use our refrigerated lockers to access the pantry nearly 24 hours a day! Place an order by 10am to pick up until 11am the following day. Order by visiting go.rutgers.edu/orderpantry. Lockers are located outside of Smith Hall (101 Warren St) on the Samuel's Plaza side of the building.

Student having difficulty accessing food can apply to receive emergency swipes through our Swipe Out Hunger program. Students will receive meal swipes that can be used at participating dining vendors. Please note that swipes are available only during the semester, and not during summer or winter breaks. 

Our pantry+ farmers markets are held once a month through the generous support of our partners at Mend NJ. Markets are open to all RU-N students by showing a Rutgers ID card. All market guests must also bring their own bags; bags are not available on-site. 

All markets are on Wednesdays at 2:30pm, located at Samuels Plaza with a rain/cold location on Student Street (PRCC next to Starbucks)

Free Farmers Market Dates for Fall 2024:

• September 18, 2:30pm
• October 9, 2:30pm
• November 5, 2:30pm
• December 4, 2:30pm

New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NJ SNAP, provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets. Eligibility is set by several factors, such as income and resources. You can use SNAP benefits to stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy. Many college students are eligible for SNAP!

If you would like to learn more or get help with a SNAP application, contact pantry_run@newark.rutgers.edu with "SNAP Application Help" in the subject line. 

Get screened for state and federal benefits that can help with finances, food, housing, and more. Get personalized resources for your needs and detailed instructions to apply for assistance. This screening tool is available for all RU-N students (including undergraduate, graduate, guest, and law students). 

Search for basic needs resources on the State of New Jersey's Basic Needs for College Students website. 

Need food while you're on campus? Join our Food Rescue group, and get notifications about free food after events on campus. Be sure to keep a reusable container with you at all times to carry away food, since containers/plates are not provided. 

How to join:

• Download the Rutgers-Newark app
• Navigate to the Institution button on the bottom (it looks like a building with columns)
• Click "Pantry+ Resources" under Campus Resources
• Select "pantry+ Food Rescue"
• Read the disclaimer and allergy information
• Click "Join Group"
• You're in! Next time there is a food rescue opportunity, you'll get a notification! Check your settings to make sure notifications are on!

pantry+ at RU-N has a variety of hygiene products with varying availability. We strive to make period products and condoms available to students at all times. Students may access period products once per month by ordering them online and picking up at the pantry. Condoms are self-serve and available on the wall near the door during the pantry's open hours. 

Are you a student who is also a parent or primary caretaker? Connect with us to get additional services from the pantry, screen for benefits, and get access to diapers once per month for your child. Contact pantry_run@newark.rutgers.edu to get support! 

1. Do I worry I don’t have enough money for food? 

2. Do I skip meals because I don’t have enough money? 

3. Do I find myself unable to eat healthy, balanced meals because of money? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should visit the pantry.  Come whenever your food resources are scarce.  Some students use the pantry once or twice during the semesters, others use it weekly. 

No sign-up is needed before coming to the pantry the first time. Bring your Rutgers ID card, and we’ll have you fill out a quick form on your first visit and then you’re welcome to shop.  We’ll give you a reusable bag on your first visit, it’s BYOB (bring your own bag) after that. 

You are welcome to use the pantry once a week.  If this does not meet your needs ask to meet with the Pantry Director to discuss how we can meet your needs. Schedule a time to speak with her by emailing hae31@rutgers.edu. 

Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC) Room 226 

Yes! You can schedule time to speak with the pantryRUN Director here about anything impacting your ability to get adequate food or nutrition. 

Follow us on Instagram for updates: pantry_run