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FAST brings colleges, alumni, donors and community partners together to address food and basic needs insecurity among college students.
FAST brings colleges, alumni, donors and community partners together to address food and basic needs insecurity among college students.
The Challenge
The Challenge
College students are struggling to meet basic needs.
College students are struggling to meet basic needs.
For millions of students, the challenge of earning a college credential extends far beyond the classroom. Food, housing and other basic needs insecurity can make it much harder to stay enrolled and complete their education.
43%
43%
of two-year college students experience food insecurity.
83%
83%
of two-year college students who stopped out said basic needs insecurity was a factor.
39%
39%
of New Jersey community-college survey respondents experienced food insecurity.
(2019 survey of more than 9,100 students at 17 of 18 NJ community colleges)When basic needs get in the way of education, students need more than determination. Colleges need more resources — and more people willing to help.
When basic needs get in the way of education, students need more than determination. Colleges need more resources — and more people willing to help.
Sources: Hope Center for Student Basic Needs (2023–2024); Community College Research Center (2026); #RealCollege New Jersey Survey (2019).
What FAST Does
What FAST Does
A Simple Idea with the Power to Scale
A Simple Idea with the Power to Scale
FAST helps colleges expand the universe of people and organizations supporting students with food and other basic needs. We don’t replace existing efforts — we grow the pie, bringing new resources, partners and best practices to more colleges and more students.
Raise Awareness
Raise Awareness
Shine a light on the real challenges students face and the critical role basic needs support plays in helping them stay in college and graduate.
Raise Funds
Raise Funds
Mobilize alumni, donors and community partners to support college basic needs programs through targeted campaigns and local giving opportunities.
Lower Costs
Lower Costs
Help colleges reduce the cost of providing basic needs supports by sharing best practices, vendor solutions and shared resources across our network.
Share What Works
Share What Works
Capture and spread proven strategies, tools and lessons learned so more colleges can implement effective, sustainable solutions.
We grow the pie. FAST brings new people, resources and ideas to the table — increasing support for students without competing with colleges’ existing fundraising.
Our Impact
Our Impact
From an Idea to Measurable Impact
From an Idea to Measurable Impact
FAST is helping colleges turn awareness into resources for students.
AACC • Giving Tuesday Campaigns
$90,000
$90,000
raised by participating colleges between
2024 and 2025 CAMPAIGNS
2024 and 2025 CAMPAIGNS
New Jersey • Feed the Future
$300,000
$300,000
in support generated for student food security
18 Community Colleges
18 Community Colleges
How FAST Works
How FAST Works
A Larger Circle of Support for Students
A Larger Circle of Support for Students
FAST helps colleges reach new people and organizations, creating additional resources for student basic needs without competing with existing fundraising.
1 — Colleges
1 — Colleges
Identify student basic needs priorities and
partner with FAST to address them.
No cost to colleges. No new IT required.
2 — FAST + Partners
2 — FAST + Partners
Provide the tools, expertise and support to help colleges reach new donors.
FAST collects no funds. Donations are processed securely by Spotfund.
3 — New Supporters
3 — New Supporters
Engage alumni, businesses, foundations and individuals who want to help students succeed.
We expand the universe of people who care.
4 — More Resources
4 — More Resources
Direct new funding and support to campus food pantries and other basic needs programs.
More resources reach colleges and students.
5 — Student Success
5 — Student Success
Help more students meet their basic needs, stay enrolled and graduate.
Stronger students. Brighter futures.
Working Together
Working Together
Collaboration Expands What’s Possible
Collaboration Expands What’s Possible
FAST partners with organizations that share our commitment to helping students meet their basic needs and succeed in college.
New Jersey Council of County Colleges
New Jersey Council of County Colleges
Partnering with all 18 New Jersey community colleges to raise awareness and resources to address student food insecurity.
The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs
The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs
Providing action-oriented research, policy, and capacity-building to remove barriers to college student success and well-being.
Swipe Out
Swipe Out
Hunger
Hunger
Bringing national expertise and a powerful network to the fight against student hunger.
Texas Association of Community College Foundations
Texas Association of Community College Foundations
Expanding support for students facing financial emergencies, food insecurity and basic needs challenges.
Get Involved
Get Involved
Ready to Help More Students Succeed?
Ready to Help More Students Succeed?
Whether you represent a college, an organization, or simply want to help, there’s a place for you in the FAST movement.
Support Students
Support Students
Find a participating college or campaign and make a contribution directly to support students’ basic needs.
Work with FAST
Work with FAST
For college leaders, foundations and associations interested in launching a campaign, FAST provides the tools, platform and support to get started.
Help Us Grow the Movement
Help Us Grow the Movement
Alumni, businesses, foundations and other supporters can help by sharing our mission, connecting us to new networks or providing resources and expertise.
FAST does not collect donations. Contributions are made directly to participating colleges through our secure fundraising platform, Spotfund.
Let's Connect
Let's Connect
Have a question, an idea or a connection that could help more students? We’d like to hear from you.
More Students. Stronger Communities. Brighter Futures.
More Students. Stronger Communities. Brighter Futures.
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