Cougar Pantry

Kean University established the Cougar Pantry in March 2019, as part of an ongoing effort to address hunger and food insecurity among undergraduate and graduate students within the Kean University campus community. The pantry normally carries an assortment of perishable and non-perishable goods, basic care items, and career ready clothing available to registered Kean students. Items and supplies vary from week to week. 

Cougar Pantry is currently in Downs Hall and staffed by Kean University's Community Care Coordinator. All registered Kean students who are facing food or basic care insecurity are eligible to shop complimentary at the Cougar Pantry on campus.

Services Offered: 

• Cougar Pantry (Perishable & Non-Perishable Food)
• Basic Care Assistance (Basic Hygiene and Household Products)
• Career Closet (Gently Used-Career Ready Clothing)
• Educational Materials Loan Program (Laptop Assistance)

*Students must be a currently registered and meet with the Community Care Coordinator to receive services.

1. Call: (908) 737-4851
    
2. Email: cougarpantry@kean.edu  
    
3. Self Schedule:  Student Health Portal

All requests will be kept private.

Locations:

Cougar Pantry: Kean Wellness Center, Downs Hall

Cougar Lockers: Cougar Pantry Patio, Downs Hall

Community Care Coordinator: Downs Hall Room 127B
 

Hours of Operation:

Fall 2023 & Spring 2024 Semester Hours

Monday — Friday 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. (For same-day pick up, all orders must be in by 3:00 p.m.)

Summer Hours (May 15, 2024 — August 17, 2024)

Monday — Thursday 8:15 a.m. — 5:30 p.m. (For same-day pick up, all orders must be in by 3:00 p.m.)

Ordering & Pick Up Times:
SmartChoice On Campus™ Food Pantry Software allows students to online shop for their food and basic care items. To access SmartChoice, you must first meet with the Community Care Coordinator for a brief intake. 
 

Tips for ordering: 

• SmartChoice allows you to order your items up to 3 days in advance
• To guarantee same day pick up, all orders must be in by 3:00 p.m.
• Students must select a pick up time, they range from 9:15 a.m to 5:00 p.m. 
• Students can retrieve their items in the Cougar Lockers 24 hours, 7 days a week, after an order is placed
• Items must be picked up after 72 hours or will be placed back into the pantry

Cougar Pantry relies heavily on donations of food and basic care items from the greater Kean community. 

1. Financial contributions can be made through the Kean Foundation. When it asks for "Designation" please select "Other" and type in "Cougar Pantry"
2. Offices, departments or student groups looking to coordinate a volunteer or collection event can do so by contacting the Community Care Coordinator, Carla Vitola, at cougarpantry@kean.edu
3. Donations can be dropped off to any Kean Wellness Center office at Downs Hall.
   • Student Health Services, Room 126
   • Counseling Center and Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Room 127 
   • Office of Accessibility Services, Room 122 

Check out a list of our most needed items:
Pantry items:
Drinks (Tea bags/Coffee, Water Bottles, etc.)
Cereal
Shelf Stable Milks & Nut/Alternative Milks 
Oils & Condiments (Salad Dressing Packages, Spices, Other Condiments)
Snacks (Granola Bars, Cookies, Chips, Popcorn, Fruit Snacks, Trail Mix)
Snack Pack Fruits Snack or Dried Fruit 
Shelf Stable or Microwavable Rice/Pasta/Potatoes/Meals

Basic Care Items: 
Tampons/Pads/Liners
Shampoo & Conditioner
Body Wash & Soap 
Toothpaste, Toothbrush, &floss
Wipes
Lotions
Additional Hair Care Products (Hair ties, Brush, Hairspray, etc.
Toilet paper/ paper towels
Deodorants 
Razors & Shave cream
Cleaning products