To whom it may concern, 

Food insecurity is an issue that is problematic for many college students in the nation. Malnutrition has the ability to hinder academic performance while further increasing depression & anxiety among students. Yet, in the 39th highest paying university for employees, Muslim students struggle to meet their religious dietary needs. As of this moment, we only have a few, inconsistent roster of halal items in the On the Go fridge & a "halal daily item" in Sam's Place. These options fail to properly provide halal food for hundreds, if not thousands, of Muslim students at Montclair State University. After meeting with & talking to Muslim residents, we found that those who dine at Sam's Place have no choice but to eat the same halal daily item for breakfast, lunch &  dinner. The Sam's Place halal item could be contaminated often since it is produced in a shared kitchen. Hence, it may come in direct contact with non-halal food products and the equipment used for them. In addition, the On the Go small open fridge is not feasible nor does it lift us out of the predicament we are in. We ask that you provide us with a platform where we can address our concerns & work towards a remedy together.

Thank you.

 

We ask that you please remedy this issue by: 

(1) Responding to this petition and releasing a statement. 

(2) Providing a wider array of halal food items that is sufficient for the Muslim community in MSU. 

(3) Providing a designated area where halal food is produced away from pork and cooking wines to prevent contamination.

(4) Making halal food options accessible for dormers and commuters.

 

Picture Descriptions

Figure 1.1 

This picture was taken on 2/15/2022 in the Student Center. No halal food items were available at the time of this photo.

 

Figure 1.2 

This picture was taken on 2/16/2022 in the Student Center. There were only about four-five halal food items in the On the Go fridge at the time of this photo.

 

Figure 1.3 

This picture was taken on 2/14/2022 in Sam's Place. This halal item is produced alongside other non-halal food and machinery.