TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has received a $2,500 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation to support food-insecure students through the school’s Helping Hands Food Pantry and to strengthen volunteer engagement across campus.
The support was highlighted during OceanFirst Bank’s annual CommUNITYFirst Day, when about 100 OceanFirst Bank WaveMakers and OCC staff volunteers purchased groceries from a local market and stocked the pantry for the start of the fall semester.
“We are so grateful for the support from the OceanFirst Foundation,” said Michelle Youngs, assistant director of Student Life at OCC. “With the cost of food continuing to rise, our students are looking for our help now more than ever.”
Food insecurity affects roughly one in four college students, and the demand at OCC has grown significantly. The Helping Hands Food Pantry recorded 2,054 visits in fiscal year 2023, 5,029 in 2024 and 7,582 in 2025.
“Thanks to partners like OceanFirst, we’re able to continue meeting this growing demand,” Youngs said. “This grant will enable Helping Hands to carry out its mission of a hunger-free campus — because everyone needs support at times.”
Founded in 2018, the pantry assists OCC and Kean Ocean students with food, drinks and other essentials, while also connecting them with resources for housing, financial assistance and additional support.
