UNION, N.J. (2/24/26) - The Kean University football program recently volunteered at the Community FoodBank of NJ earlier this month.

The CFBNJ works to end hunger by distributing food to more than 800 community partners. This includes food pantries, soup kitchens, child & senior feeding programs & more.

Head Coach Dan Garrett, and company, have volunteered with CFBNJ for the past 23 years. This year, football student-athletes and staff traveled to nearby Hillside to assist local families in need. Team members assembled, sorted, and filled over 600 boxes with canned goods, cereal, milk, juice and other weekly rations.

Garrett, who just wrapped up his 20^th season at Kean, mentioned what it was like partnering with the organization early on in his career, and what it means to the program.

"When I first got involved with this community service project 23 years ago, I saw it as a great way for us to give back to the local community," said Garrett. "What it has become—year after year—is a cornerstone of our program."

What once started as a volunteering and food collection initiative, has become a yearly tradition that serves as a valuable lesson to the football team's players and coaches.

"This partnership has taught our players and coaches what it truly means to serve and lead with their hearts," says Garrett. "The FoodBank is more than a food distribution hub. They partner with hundreds of community organizations to fight hunger and connect people with resources that restore dignity and hope. That mission has deeply resonated with all of us."

Earlier this month, 18 members of the football program volunteered at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, marking one of the team's largest turnouts at the event. Throughout the day, the group posed for photos and helped package food, contributing to the organization's ongoing efforts to support the community.

Coach Garrett touched on what this large showing says about his players.

"It embodies service before self. Our players are learning that leadership isn't only about performance on the field — it's about compassion, consistency, and showing up for people who need support."
During his freshman season, linebacker Eric Scott from Paulsboro, expressed what 18 representatives there says about the program.
 
"It says that we care about the community and that we're more than just a football team, but a family that likes to help others outside of football."
 

When asked what he thinks he could learn from an experience like this, Scott touched on the importance of giving back to those in need.

"I learned that it's important to give back to the community and to help people who are in need. It's never about you—it's about supporting those who need help".

Experiences like this help build character—something players like Scott will benefit from. According to Garrett, great character is where true strength lies.

"Every year, young men in our program see what it means to give their time, energy, and compassion. They learn that true strength isn't just physical.  That collective impact — from our players giving a few hours of their Friday to a family receiving a week's worth of groceries — is something our program carries with pride."
 
 
For players and coaches, volunteering at the Community FoodBank of NJ every year is a reminder that there's so much more to a successful program than what happens on the field—and Garrett understands that as well as anyone.

"It has given us purpose beyond wins and losses. It has reminded us every season that we have a responsibility to lift others up — to serve, to support, and to lead in love.  Our players and coaches also use that time as a team building and team bonding experience that pays dividends for us as a program."