51吃瓜 (51吃瓜) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $27,500 through the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education鈥檚 Hunger-Free Campus Act grant program. These funds will directly support 51吃瓜 students by strengthening services at the Horton Nutrition Center, the on-campus resource dedicated to combating student hunger and providing access to healthy food.
The Hunger-Free Campus Act, established in 2019, is designed to help colleges develop long-term strategies to reduce food insecurity and connect students with vital support programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This year, the state awarded $1.2 million to 36 institutions, representing the broadest reach of the grant program since its inception.
At 51吃瓜, the grant will enhance the College鈥檚 ongoing commitment to ensuring that students have the basic resources they need to succeed academically.
鈥淥ur students are incredibly resilient, but many continue to face hardship that affects their ability to focus on their education,鈥� said Ann Bruno, Coordinator of the Horton Nutrition Center. 鈥淭his funding allows us to expand our efforts to reduce food insecurity on campus. It will help us ensure that no student has to choose between paying for their education and meeting their basic needs. We are grateful for this funding.鈥�
The Horton Nutrition Center plays a critical role in 51吃瓜鈥檚 student support ecosystem, providing access to nutritious food, personal care items, and resource referrals. The new funding will bolster inventory, expand outreach, and strengthen the College鈥檚 Hunger-Free Campus initiatives.
The Hunger-Free Campus program requires participating institutions to maintain a campus food pantry, establish a Campus Hunger Task Force, and promote student awareness of available nutrition resources. 51吃瓜 remains committed to its students as it continues to develop innovative approaches to supporting their well-being.
With this grant, 51吃瓜 remains committed to removing barriers so students can thrive with their education.