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Winter Weather Announcement

All classes and activities at Kean Ocean will continue to be conducted remotely through Sunday, March 1, due to ongoing power issues.

This remote schedule applies only to Kean Ocean. Kean’s main campus in Union and Kean Skylands will operate as normal. 

Only essential personnel should report in person for work at Kean Ocean during this time. Employees with questions about their status should consult their supervisor.

Cougar Pantry

Cougar Pantry, offers an assortment of donated non-perishable foods, as well as health and hygiene products complimentary for registered Kean University students.

Location: 
Union Campus, Downs Hall

Contact Us: 
To receive Cougar Pantry services, please contact staff via email: cougarpantry@kean.edu

Food pantry for Kean students

Welcome to the Kean University 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.

Making An Appointment at Cougar Pantry:

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

All requests will be kept private.

Location & Hours of Operation

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 & Spring 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 

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. 

SmartChoice
SmartChoice On Campus™ Food Pantry Software is Cougar Panty's new way to order food and basic need items. SmartChoice has given flexibility and access to students who are experiencing food and basic need insecurity.

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
  • To check out the software, head to https://www.smartchoicepantry.com/

Cougar Lockers

Cougar Lockers
Cougar Pantry now has pick up lockers for pantry users! These easy to use, 2 step lockers have made food more accessible than ever.
1. Type in the code on the screen received in the pick-up email
2. Grab your items & close the locker

How Can You Help?

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 website. 
  2. Cougar Pantry Amazon Wish List of our most desired items.
  3. 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
  4. Donations can be dropped off at the Kean Wellness Center lobby in Downs Hall. Please check in with the reception team. 

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