Kean University to Host Statewide Food Insecurity Summit

Leaders from across New Jersey to convene and address systemic drivers of food insecurity

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:48am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic food item repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the collective work to strengthen food access across the state.A vibrant visual celebration of the collaborative efforts to address food insecurity in New Jersey communities.Union Today

Kean University's Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships, in partnership with the Faith-Based Institute of Public Policy, will host the Kean University Statewide Food Insecurity Summit on April 9th. The summit will bring together leaders from government, higher education, faith institutions, nonprofits, and philanthropy to examine the systemic causes of food insecurity and develop collaborative strategies to strengthen food access across New Jersey.

Why it matters

Food insecurity is a pressing issue impacting communities and students throughout New Jersey. The summit aims to elevate the issue as both a public policy priority and a community imperative, while creating space for cross-sector collaboration that leads to tangible, actionable solutions.

The details

The full-day summit will include panel discussions on community-based solutions, policy and funding initiatives, and campus-based approaches to addressing food insecurity. The event will conclude with an interactive session to capture key recommendations and identify next steps for sustained collaboration.

  • The summit will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The players

Kean University

New Jersey's urban research university, recognized for its diversity, innovation, and the social mobility of its graduates.

Faith-Based Institute of Public Policy

Kean University's partner in hosting the Statewide Food Insecurity Summit.

Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

Kean University President, who stated that the university is proud to host the summit and work with partners to advance solutions that strengthen access to food and support student success across the state.

Craig J. Coughlin

New Jersey General Assembly Speaker, who commended Kean University for bringing leaders together across sectors to focus on real, workable solutions that strengthen food access in New Jersey and beyond.

Mark Dinglasan

Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA), who stated that the summit is an important conversation as New Jersey continues to lead the way in food security research and innovation.

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What they’re saying

“Food insecurity is a challenge that affects the health and wellbeing of communities across New Jersey, including students of all ages. As an anchor institution deeply connected to the communities we serve, Kean is proud to host the summit and work with partners to advance solutions that strengthen access to food and support student success across the state.”

— Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., Kean University President

“New Jersey has made meaningful progress in addressing food insecurity through smart, data driven policy and sustained investment, but we know that work is far from over. Together, we've established the first Office of the Food Security Advocate in the nation, expanded SNAP benefits while ensuring colleges have the resources to help students enroll, and supported the creation of food pantries and anti-hunger programs on college campuses to meet people where they are. Conferences like this one at Kean University are essential to advancing the policy conversations that shape our food systems and ensure access for every resident.”

— Craig J. Coughlin, New Jersey General Assembly Speaker

“New Jersey has continued to lead the way food security research and innovation that informs the national and state conversation, and we are doing this because we know it is a public policy and moral imperative. OFSA is pleased to be a part of this important conversation.”

— Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director, New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA)

What’s next

The summit will conclude with an interactive session, 'From Conversation to Action,' designed to capture key recommendations and identify next steps for sustained collaboration on addressing food insecurity in New Jersey.

The takeaway

This summit reflects the power of partnership and the importance of bringing diverse stakeholders together to address the systemic drivers of food insecurity. By convening leaders across sectors, Kean University is creating space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and coordinated action to strengthen food access and support student success across the state.