08/25/2026
This week, we’re highlighting the Basic Needs Center at Rutgers!
Established in 2016, the Rutgers Student Food Pantry has served as an important resource for students. In February 2025, the pantry moved to the Basic Needs Center at the College Ave Student Center, Room 112. There, you can access not only the food pantry, but additional services such as Sir Henry’s Clothing Closet, textbook and technology borrowing programs, and more.
The center is partnered with other local organizations, such as the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Replenish, an East Brunswick-based food bank, to source both fresh and non-perishable items for the pantry. They also receive meals from partner organizations such as the World Food Movement and Elijah’s Promise. They also host events, such as Nutrition Workshops co-sponsored by HOPE, and invite SNAP navigators to assist students with the screening and application processes.
In conversation with Amber Schreck, Assistant Director of Student Basic Needs, she comments, “I love going to the markets because not only do I love doing my job, but I also love recipes and new foods, and I feel like there's always something that I haven't cooked or haven't eaten or tried yet before. And then when it comes to actually helping students in here, it's honestly just rewarding itself at the end of every meeting that I can have with a student because they're walking out with a potential plan, and I know that I've been able to help them and then seeing those students that love to say hi to me every week because now they're connected to us.”
The center also offers a program that provides students with Market Bucks, which can be used at any Rutgers Community Farmers Market to buy fresh fruits and veggies! Stop by the Basic Needs table at our Thursday markets to learn more, or visit the Basic Needs Center at 126 College Ave, Room 112!
Interested in volunteering at the Basic Needs Center? Use this link to sign up: https://rutgers.givepulse.com/group/1244113-the-basic-needs-center
