United Way of Hunterdon County launches school pantry initiative to address student food insecurity
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — United Way of Hunterdon County has launched a new school-based pantry initiative aimed at helping students facing food insecurity, with the first location established at Frances A. Desmares School in Raritan Township.
The program, called “Pantries with Purpose,” places fully stocked, confidential food pantries directly inside schools to provide shelf-stable food, healthy snacks and hygiene essentials to students who need support.
United Way officials said the initiative is designed to address rising food insecurity among children in Hunterdon County, where many families fall into the ALICE category — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — meaning they earn above the federal poverty line but still struggle with the high cost of living.
“Food insecurity in Hunterdon County is often invisible,” said Jennifer Thompson, CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County. “Pantries with Purpose meets students where they are — in their schools — ensuring that no child has to choose between hunger and learning. This is what community resilience looks like in action.”
United Way provides seed funding, startup inventory, materials and operational guidance for the pantries. After launch, the program encourages support from the broader school community, including families, parent organizations, local businesses and civic groups.
“We are proud to partner with the United Way of Hunterdon and bring the Pantries with a Purpose to Desmares School,” said Mark Masessa, principal in the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District. “This partnership with United Way of Hunterdon County allows us to respond immediately and compassionately when a student has a need. The pantry will provide critical support while preserving dignity and confidentiality for our families.”
The pantry will be available five days a week during the school year, allowing staff to provide assistance quickly when a need arises. Organizers say placing the resource within schools helps eliminate transportation barriers and reduces the stigma sometimes associated with seeking help.
United Way of Hunterdon County said the initiative aligns with its broader focus on youth opportunity, financial stability, health and mental health, and community resilience, and plans are underway to expand the program to additional schools across the county in 2026.
Schools interested in participating in the program can contact Gabriela Bonnavent at gabriela@uwhunterdon.org for more information. Community members can also support the effort by donating food or hygiene products, sponsoring a school pantry or making financial contributions to help launch additional locations.
