FDU Knights Care Food Pantry aids all Metropolitan Campus students
The Knights Care Pantry is open for all FDU students on Wednesdays and Fridays. (Photos: Rashard Mills)
By Julie Kayzerman
April 14, 2020 – Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Metropolitan Campus celebrated the grand opening of the Knights Care Food Pantry on Wednesday, April 14 in front of University Hall.
While the Knights Care Food Pantry, located on the Teaneck side of campus in between Alumni Hall and the Muscarelle Center (across from University Hall), was created through an effort to help FDU students experiencing food insecurity, it is a resource for all FDU students, regardless of need. The pantry will be open on Wednesdays from 2 PM to 5 PM and Fridays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
“This isn’t only for students who are in need, this is our answer and our connection to our students in general,” says Rashard Mills, assistant director of Student Union Building operations. “Whether they need or not, we’re open and we’re here. We have so many supplies that we’re not worried about students taking too much. Whether they have meal swipes for Gourmet Dining or not, we want to be a resource for them.”
Lisa Jefferson and her daughter junior Lisa Monet Jefferson drop off donations to the Knights Care Food Pantry.
The Knights Care Food Pantry was spearheaded through a joint effort by the Office of Student Life, the FDU Wellness Team and the Inter-Greek Council.
“This pantry means personally so much to me,” says senior Juan-Lorenzo Martinez, president of Inter-Greek Council. “Speaking on behalf of the Greeks, this is the one thing that we want to do, we want to give back to our community.”
All that is required to pick up food from the pantry is an FDU student ID. Simply meet the food pantry staff at the entrance during operating hours or email the Inter-Greek Council at fdumetrointergreekcouncil@gmail.com to submit specific item requests or to secure a time slot. Students can also feel free to shop for a friend who might be shy about coming to the pantry.
“This is the beginning of something new and something great at FDU Metro,” Martinez says. “We want to make sure that every single student is exposed to this food pantry so that they know there’s help directly from us. It’s all out of love. We’re not here to judge, we’re here to help.”
Those interested in contributing to the pantry can drop off donations at the Office of Student Life, the Office of Residence Life, the Interfaith Chapel, the Fitness Center or at the pantry directly during operating hours.