Ocean County College has received $2,500 from OceanFirst Foundation to support food-insecure students through OCC’s Helping Hands Food Pantry and expand volunteer engagement across campus.
That support came to life on September 25, 2025, during OceanFirst Bank’s annual CommUNITYFirst Day, when approximately 100 OceanFirst Bank WaveMakers and OCC staff volunteers came together for a powerful day of service and student impact. With the funding, volunteers were able to buy groceries from a local market and stock the pantry, directly supporting OCC students as they begin the fall semester.
“We are so grateful for the support from The OceanFirst Foundation,” said Michelle Youngs, assistant director of Student Life at Ocean County College. “With the cost of food continuing to rise, our students are looking for our help now more than ever.”
Food insecurity affects one in four college students, and in recent years, the need has grown dramatically. Helping Hands Food Pantry is a vital support system for OCC students. “We had 2,054 visits in FY23, which jumped to 5,029 in FY24 and reached 7,582 in FY25,” said Youngs. “Thanks to partners like OceanFirst, we’re able to continue meeting this growing demand. This grant will enable Helping Hands to carry out its mission of a hunger free campus —because everyone needs support at times.”
Established in 2018, Helping Hands Food Pantry assists Ocean County College and Kean Ocean students with non-academic support to help them succeed. In addition to snacks, drinks, and meals, Helping Hands also provides resources for financial assistance, referrals for housing support, and much more to students in need. Learn more about Helping Hands by visiting go.ocean.edu/helpinghands.