PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Nov. 29, 2025) — In its second year hosting the initiative, the R Fund — Rutgers University Athletics’ development and fundraising arm — once again partnered with REPLENISH and the Rutgers Food Pantry to support local families and students during the holiday season. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated to help those in need.

Building on the success of last year's drive, which collected more than 1,800 pounds of non-perishable food and essential goods, Rutgers fans, alumni, supporters (and even Penn State fans) came together in force once again. In total, more than 2,200 pounds were donated, including 991 pounds generously contributed by the Marching Scarlet Knights during their Monday evening practice. On Saturday, additional donations were collected throughout the pregame Rutgers Boardwalk at the primary station beside the Rutgers Football equipment truck and at REPLENISH bins near all SHI Stadium gates. 

All donations will directly benefit individuals facing food insecurity across Middlesex County and within the Rutgers community. REPLENISH, Middlesex County’s primary food bank, supports more than 135 pantries across the region. The Rutgers Food Pantry — part of the University’s Basic Needs program — relies on REPLENISH as its main supplier to ensure Rutgers students have access to necessary resources.

Questions can be directed to rfund@scarletknights.com 

About REPLENISH
Beginning with a single closet in a Roosevelt Park police building and distributing supplies to 30 pantries, the program now operates out of an 8,500-square-foot warehouse in East Brunswick, serving more than 135 pantries. In 2024 alone, REPLENISH distributed 5.2 million pounds of food to those in need.

About Rutgers Food Pantry
Established in Fall 2016, the Rutgers Student Food Pantry has become a vital resource for students at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Located in the Basic Needs Center in Room 112 of the College Avenue Student Center (126 College Ave), it is the only pantry dedicated exclusively to Rutgers students. The pantry is stocked through contributions from Rutgers Against Hunger, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, REPLENISH, and private donors. Any student enrolled at Rutgers–New Brunswick can access the pantry with a valid Rutgers ID.