The Key Idea:

Bergen Community College’s clothing closet and food pantry play crucial roles in breaking down the stigma associated with those who are in need on their campus seeking resources and assistance. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, the college encourages its campus community to utilize these resources without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.

The Key Players:

Rachel Sloma, former director of Bergen Cares

Annie Echeverry, current director of Bergen Cares

The Story:

In today’s world, the realities of financial instability and food insecurity can affect anyone, including college students. Despite the prevailing stereotype of the “starving student,” the truth is that many students struggle to afford nutritious meals and basic necessities. When students are dealing with basic needs insecurity, they are less able to prioritize academics and thrive in their college experience—and they risk not completing because they can’t adequately access basic needs. Recognizing this pressing issue, Bergen Community College has taken a proactive step in addressing student needs with its Bergen Cares Basic Needs Food Pantry and Clothing Closet.

Bergen Community College actively promotes the message that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and that accessing the clothing closet or food pantry is a sign of strength and resilience, not weakness. Through educational campaigns, workshops, and outreach efforts, the college works to destigmatize the idea of seeking assistance and emphasizes that everyone deserves access to basic necessities, regardless of their circumstances.

Rachel Sloma, the establishing director of “Bergen Cares” and a former academic advisor, was empowered by senior leadership at the college to center Bergen’s basic needs efforts to create a center as a “one-stop shop” with the idea that “no student’s academic success should be hindered by outside factors.” Annie Echeverry has since taken up the mantle as director, continuing to find intentional and innovative ways to grow the center and its reach. 

Creating a Connected Process:

As it stands, Bergen Cares receives the bulk of its food donations from the Center for Food Action, an organization devoted to the prevention of hunger and homelessness and improving the lives of individuals and families living in poverty. The organization donates food items such as bread, chicken, eggs, juices, fresh meat, and microwavable meals. In addition to these donations, the center relies on community support by hosting food and clothing drives, as well as encouraging individuals who have previously benefited from aid to give back when they are able. This process creates a positive cycle that encourages and maintains active participation. 

The staff at “Bergen Cares” has been resourceful with its donations to not only adequately supply the food pantry and “THREADS” closet but also to be intentional about the messaging in how participants experience the center. The clothing closet and food pantry are designed to resemble typical retail or grocery environments rather than traditional charity distributions to create a more welcoming and empowering experience for students, staff, and faculty. In addition, the neon store sign and the tagged clothing sans pricing are welcomed additions to resemble a boutique store experience. This approach helps to normalize the use of these resources and encourages students to feel comfortable utilizing them as needed. 

The intentional approach included the students in the design process to create community and establish cross-campus collaborations. For example, to help advance the “thrifting” experience at the clothing closet, “THREADS,” the center worked with fashion students to style the mannequins. The Student Government Association was instrumental in the sweater/coat drives that supplied not only the campus community but also the surrounding neighborhood. A key element to the success of the center was that it be student-run. To further cultivate belonging, it is important to note that the students running the center frequently utilize the resources available at “Bergen Cares” and are not shy about sharing their experiences with other students. 

In addition to this very intentional approach to cultivating a welcoming environment, the center also hosts different initiatives aimed at dissolving any stigmas associated with receiving charitable donations. It does this by hosting event-focused giveaways (snack packs for exam weeks) and thrifting events like pop-up shops during Earth Week festivities. 

 Annie passionately shares how impactful this approach has been to the campus. It was especially evident during the pandemic when resources were stretched. The center became a hub for the whole campus to lean on to obtain food, toiletries, clothing, and other pertinent resources. It continues to service all and has increased its offering to include baby formula, diapers, deodorant, personal feminine products, and additional non-perishable items.

What’s Next?

The work that is done by the staff at Bergen Cares is heartfelt. Rachel passed on a solid foundation to Annie, who is just as committed to growing the center and reaching new heights. Annie is excited about creating new and more sustainable ways to supply the food pantry and clothing closet. For example, she desires to resource homegrown items from the campus’s horticultural studies program. She also plans to be more intentional about securing more healthy donation options. Annie also plans to expand and secure a larger space in the long term to allow more students to experience the center. Students are and will continue to be encouraged to eat lunch together at the center while music is playing to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere. Lastly, the current staff plans to find more intentional ways to include the community in ways that will share donations to other charities and organizations. Instead of a “flea market,” the plan is to sponsor a “free market.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bergen Cares Basic Needs Food Pantry and Clothing Closet are more than just resources—they are symbols of hope, resilience, and solidarity. They represent Bergen’s commitment to supporting every student on their journey to academic success and personal well-being. The center is devoted to dismantling stigma and creating a campus community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive—and to earn a college degree. To learn more about their initiatives, visit Instagram and search the tags @bergencarescenter and @threadsclothingcloset.