Sussex County Community College receives $27,500 grant to expand hunger-free campus efforts
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College has been awarded $27,500 through the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education’s Hunger-Free Campus Act grant program, funding that will support the Horton Nutrition Center and expand services aimed at combating student food insecurity.
The Hunger-Free Campus Act, created in 2019, helps colleges develop long-term strategies to reduce food insecurity and connect students with support programs such as SNAP. This year, the state awarded $1.2 million to 36 institutions, marking the broadest distribution of grants since the program began.
At SCCC, the grant will strengthen the college’s efforts to ensure students have consistent access to essential resources.
“Our students are incredibly resilient, but many continue to face hardship that affects their ability to focus on their education,” said Ann Bruno, coordinator of the Horton Nutrition Center. “This 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.”
The Horton Nutrition Center provides students with nutritious food, personal care products and referrals to additional community resources. College officials said the funding will boost inventory, expand outreach and reinforce ongoing Hunger-Free Campus initiatives.
Participating institutions in the statewide program are required to operate a campus food pantry, establish a Campus Hunger Task Force and increase awareness of available nutrition resources.
SCCC said the grant will help continue its work to break down barriers that affect student success and support the overall well-being of its campus community.
