Centenary University marks Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with campus and community initiatives
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University strengthened its commitment to addressing food insecurity and housing instability during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, leading a series of educational programs, service projects and community partnerships aimed at supporting students and local residents in need.
The weeklong effort was coordinated by the university’s Hunger Task Force and Civic Engagement Center and focused on raising awareness, expanding access to resources and encouraging student involvement through hands-on service.
“Through service, education, and collaboration, Centenary University demonstrated its dedication to supporting those affected by hunger and homelessness,” said Jamie Weingarten, director of student activities. “The partnerships and projects developed during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will continue to strengthen the university’s efforts to combat food insecurity on campus and within the broader community.”
Campus Life launched the week with a coordinated social media awareness campaign across university platforms, encouraging dialogue and sharing information on how students can donate, volunteer or seek assistance. As part of the outreach, Centenary hosted Nicole Fernandez, the NORWESCAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program navigator for Warren County, who met with students to explain SNAP benefits, eligibility requirements and the application process. University officials noted that many students are unaware they may qualify for food assistance based on their financial or living situations.
Centenary also partnered with Trinity Church to organize volunteer projects, including efforts by individual students and members of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee to assemble and distribute Thanksgiving meal bags. The initiative aimed to help families celebrate the holiday with dignity while giving students a firsthand understanding of food insecurity in the community.
The university announced a new partnership with Faithful Food Share, which will donate individually wrapped bagels each week to the Cyclone Kitchen, Centenary’s on-campus food pantry. The weekly donations are intended to provide students with a reliable and accessible food option.
Additional student-led initiatives expanded the week’s impact. The Psychology Club launched a campuswide canned food drive that began during the awareness week and will continue collecting donations for local food pantries facing increased demand. The Multicultural Club held its annual Multicultural Feast, where students prepared and shared dishes representing their cultural heritage. Leftover food from the event was made available through the Cyclone Kitchen.
University officials said the combined efforts reflect Centenary’s ongoing focus on civic engagement, sustainability and community support beyond Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
