Resources for Schools

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Resources for Schools

Schools play a vital role in advancing food security. By providing consistent, nutritious meals, schools help reduce childhood hunger, support academic success, and improve overall student health.

This page outlines ways schools can partner with REPLENISH and access resources to support students and families.

School Food Drives

REPLENISH partners with schools to host food drives throughout the school year. Schools may organize drives at any time, but common opportunities include:

September: Back-to-school events and Hunger Action Month
October–November: Thanksgiving-themed food drives
January–February: Super Bowl-themed food drives

Annual Spring School Food Drive

REPLENISH hosts an annual Spring Food Drive. Dates and participation details are typically shared in January through school district superintendents and principals.

For questions about hosting a food drive, contact: Peter Ellison at peter.ellison@co.middlesex.nj.us

For students or teachers interested in organizing a food drive , here are some resources to get started:

School-Led Initiatives

Schools can implement programs that actively engage students in reducing food waste and supporting peers:

Share Tables: Designated areas where students can place unopened, unwanted food items for redistribution instead of disposal.
Little Pantries: Small, accessible food pantries located within or near schools that provide shelf-stable items for students and families.

Example in Action

Check out this flyer to see how an elementary school in Edison launched a student-led initiative called Plate Pioneers, demonstrating how youth engagement can drive meaningful change! Additional resources and training opportunities are available through Rutgers University.

Reduce Food Waste

Visit the Get Food Smart page to learn how to:

Reduce food waste at school and at home
Improve food security through everyday actions

Food Security Education

REPLENISH offers educational resources for students in grades K–12. These materials are designed to:

Build understanding of food insecurity
Encourage empathy and awareness
Inspire student-led action

Available Resources

Grades K–5: Age-appropriate lessons and activities
Grades 6–12: In-depth educational modules
Educational Activity Guide

Featured Learning Tools

The below recordings help younger students understand food insecurity and encourage compassion and awareness:

Government Assistance Programs

There are many programs in place to help students and families facing food insecurity. Along with REPLEINSH's own Healthy Food Access Map to locate food assistance, there are federal programs like SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), School Breakfast, and National School Lunch. Learn more about these initiatives here.

In New Jersey there are specific programs such as Child and Adult Care Food Programs and Farm to School Programs. Learn more at Hunger Free New Jersey or contact Lisa Pitz at Hunger Free NJ.

Monetary Donations

Feeding Middlesex County (FMC) established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds to support REPLENISH. The organization is volunteer-led and funded through individual donations, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.

Monetary contributions provide the flexibility to procure high-need items in bulk at wholesale prices, ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most, increasing the impact of each contribution.

How to Donate

By Mail:
Make checks payable to Feeding Middlesex County and send to:
PO Box 781
Edison, NJ 08818

Online:
Visit the Feeding Middlesex County website to donate securely.

For more information, email: feedingmiddlesexcounty@gmail.com