Centenary University has recently been honored with a substantial $37,500 Hunger-Free Campus grant. This grant is set to play a pivotal role in expanding the University's food pantry and enhancing outreach efforts to connect students with essential services. Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students Kerry Mullins emphasizes the significance of meeting students' basic needs for their overall growth. It is crucial to raise awareness about available resources while safeguarding students' privacy and dignity. During breaks and summers, when the campus cafeteria is closed, the Cyclone Kitchen becomes the primary source of food for housing-insecure students.

Empowering Students with Hunger-Free Campus Support

Expansion of the Cyclone Kitchen

In 2023, an initial OSHE Hunger-Free Campus grant allowed Centenary to relocate and significantly enlarge its Cyclone Kitchen. It transformed from a single shelf of canned goods to a well-stocked kitchen stocked with non-perishable items and healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables. This expansion has greatly enhanced the food options available to students in need.Now, with this year's grant, the food pantry can add a wide range of essential items such as toiletries, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, loaner cooking implements including microwaves, pots, and pans, paper products, and school supplies. This comprehensive addition ensures that students have access to all the necessary items for their daily lives.The Cyclone Kitchen operates round the clock, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It provides a constant source of sustenance for students facing food insecurity.

Swipe Out Hunger Program

In partnership with Sodexo, Centenary offers the Swipe Out Hunger program. This program offers free meal swipes in the Centenary cafeteria to students who self-identify as food insecure based on USDA guidelines. It is a significant step in providing immediate food assistance to those in need.The availability of this program shows the University's commitment to addressing food insecurity on campus. It gives students the opportunity to enjoy a proper meal without the worry of financial constraints.

Hunger-Free Task Force Initiatives

Last month, the University's Hunger-Free Task Force marked National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with a series of programs. These programs aimed to educate students about the available services on campus and external programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).A resource coordinator case manager, funded through the grant, assists students in applying for SNAP, WIC, and other relevant programs. This support system helps students navigate the complex process of accessing these essential resources.Centenary also offers a weekend shuttle to local stores that participate in SNAP. This shuttle service makes it easier for students to obtain the necessary food items during the weekends when the campus facilities may be limited.

President's Commitment

President Dale Caldwell firmly states that Centenary University remains dedicated to this crucial initiative. Recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network member for its commitment to improving the well-being and success of first-generation college students, the University understands the vulnerability of this population to food and housing insecurity.The Hunger-Free Campus grant provides significant support to ensure the sustainability of Centenary's efforts in combating food insecurity on campus. It is not just about earning a title but about creating a campus community where every student's well-being and needs are valued and supported.