Centenary University Strengthens Community Impact During Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, Dec. 15, 2025—Centenary University recently led an immersive week of civic engagement, student leadership, and education to mark Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week. The Hunger Task Force and Civic Engagement Center facilitated events aimed at bringing attention to the ongoing issues of food insecurity and housing instability.

“Through service, education, and collaboration, Centenary University demonstrated its dedication to supporting those affected by hunger and homelessness,” said Director of Student Activities Jamie Weingarten. “The partnerships and projects developed during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week will continue to strengthen the University’s efforts to combat food insecurity on campus and within the broader community.”

Campus Life began the week with a coordinated social media awareness campaign across the University’s platforms to encourage dialogue and provide actionable steps for students to get involved, donate, volunteer, or seek help if they are experiencing food insecurity. In addition, Centenary hosted Nicole Fernandez, the NORWESCAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) navigator for Warren County, who tabled on campus to educate students about SNAP benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Many students are unaware that they may qualify for food assistance based on their financial or living situations.

Centenary deepened its commitment to service by partnering with Trinity Church for volunteer events, including individual students and representatives of the SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) assembling and distributing Thanksgiving meal bags to help families in need celebrate with dignity. The project served as a meaningful hands-on opportunity for students to understand the real-life challenges that many families face and the importance of collective action. The University also kicked off a community partnership with Faithful Food Share, which committed to donating individually wrapped bagels each week to the Cyclone Kitchen, Centenary’s on-campus food pantry. Fresh bagels—an iconic New Jersey staple—offer an easy, reliable, and comforting food option for students who struggle with consistent access to meals.

The Psychology Club expanded the University’s outreach by organizing a campuswide canned food drive, which kicked off during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week and continues to collect donations. All contributions will be delivered to local food pantries facing increased demand this year. Adding a cultural dimension to the week, the Multicultural Club held its annual Multicultural Feast, celebrating the vibrant diversity of the Centenary community. Students prepared and shared dishes representing their heritage, with all leftover food available to students through the Cyclone Kitchen, underscoring the University’s commitment to sustainability while maximizing support for its community.

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Centenary University was founded in 1867 by United Methodists and offers extraordinary learning opportunities that empower students to develop intellectually, emotionally, and interculturally—keys to career and personal success. The University aspires to advance its reputation as a world class institution offering innovative programs, including the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies and first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, to lift the future for our students and local communities.