Fresh for All, hosted by Philabundance, allows for volunteers of the Rowan and Glassboro community to come out every Friday morning to donate food for students and locals in need. Volunteers come out to portion fresh food, place the product into clients’ vehicles, assist walk-up shoppers, help set up and put away tables, and pallets used for the morning. Anybody is welcome to volunteer for the market, whether it be Rowan students or locals who would like to come and help out.
On Nov. 21, just like every Friday, the Fresh for All Market hosted by Philabundance took place in parking lot D, next to Wackar Stadium.
Philabundance is the largest food bank in the Delaware Valley region, distributing food to those in need in order to drive hunger out of communities and end hunger. Fresh for All provides produce for the market every Friday, but the food market offers other dry foods as well for the public.
“I get to actually listen to them talk and hear what they’re all about. It’s really nice to make friends and see that you’re actually serving people, especially when you get regulars,” said Kylie Parker, a volunteer and senior writing arts student.
The market goes beyond just helping those in need, with volunteers being able to create close relationships with those who come out every week. Whether it be big or small, this program creates a difference for the locals of Glassboro, aiming to make getting through the week a little easier. Anybody in need can come to the market without fear that they are being judged based on their circumstances, as many volunteers noted that they find it more important to provide for those in need.
“It’s great to see the youth, the younger people, certainly, as you can see, enjoying their time here and realizing that food is a problem for so many people. Food is a problem for so many people. It’s clear that it’s becoming more of a problem with the cost of living and other issues that people are pressed with,” said Doug Damm, a volunteer at the Fresh for All Market who has been working in food distribution for 10 years.
Food availability is a problem for many more people out there than people realize, and that is only the surface of some of the problems that people deal with, especially during the holiday season.
There are various food pantries in the Gloucester County area, including The Shop Pantry, which has made its way to Rowan, where students on campus are allowed to access. It is Rowan’s first-ever on-campus food pantry, available to students in need, that offers a range of support services and community resources.
“Many people don’t think about our population of students. These students are typically away from family. They may have had support when they were with their family, but now many of them are across the country … and with you know, the economy and things like a rise in food costs, a rise in gas costs, the utilities are outrageous right now. That all affects our students’ budgets,” said Brandi Blanton, the director of financial aid at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine.
Many students who are away from home have troubles revolving around their access to the essential resources they need. Between going to class, homework, and studying, many students don’t have time to get a job so that they can support themselves when away from home. The food pantries on campus and Fresh for All are helpful not only for the community but also for the students who are struggling.
“They’re our future. That’s where you really need to put it. You know, who’s going to take care of you?” said Naomi Mastrocola, who works in student affairs.
Making sure that these students and locals are healthy is important for the future of the community. The food pantries and distribution programs are just the beginning of helping those in need, as there are many other resources that people are struggling to have available to them.
There are various donation and volunteering opportunities on campus and in South Jersey that people can get involved in. There is an adopt-a-family that staff can participate in at Rowan, Toys-for-Tots provided by military services, and Christmas donations that are happening at the Stratford campus. These are only some of the donation opportunities that are happening locally, but there are so many more out there, especially during the holiday season.
Donation opportunities are even available online on many food pantry websites, like Philabundance, where you can donate a certain amount of money in order to help out if not able to volunteer. Helping those in need in our community is essential in keeping everyone healthy and safe, not only during the holidays but all year round.
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