The Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) Campus Wellness Pantries have received a $30,000 financial boost in efforts to combat food insecurity.
The Rowan College Foundation, along with the Inspira Health Foundation, earmarked $20,000 and $10,000, respectively, to the pantries. A check presentation ceremony was held at the Cumberland campus earlier this month.
“We are thrilled that with continued support from our premier partner, Inspira Health, and the Rowan College Foundation, we can ensure that no RCSJ student must choose between their education and their basic nutritional and personal needs,” said Rowan President Fred Keating.
Rowan’s Center for Wellness and Support (CFW) is a “comprehensive department on both college campuses,” noted Sarah Palese, director of foundation and alumni relations at Rowan.
Rowan’s main campus is in Sewell, with the Cumberland campus in Vineland and Millville. The CFW oversees supply and distribution of pantry food; offers on-campus support; and assists currently enrolled students experiencing life stressors, including food insecurity.
During the check presentation, Palese referenced a 2023 survey released by the Hope Center for College and Justice at Temple University.
“Among undergraduates, food insecurity is higher at community colleges (23.4%) than public and private non-profit colleges (20.0% and 18.8%, respectively),” she said.
For more information about Rowan’s Center for Wellness and Support, visit RCSJ.edu/CWS. For more on the Rowan College Foundation, visit RCSJ.edu/Foundation.
