UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Lion’s Pantry satellite pantry system, known commonly as Cub Pantries, will undergo a system review to identify needs across campus and viable locations, and to streamline operational efficiency. The review includes a pause on the consideration of any new Cub Pantries.
Cub Pantries are officially designated satellite locations of the Lion’s Pantry that provide dry goods and essentials for any student who may be in need. There are currently 12 official Cub Pantry locations across the University Park campus that receive direct support from the Lion’s Pantry.
During the review period, the Lion’s Pantry team will be assessing demand at official Cub Pantry locations, investigating ways to streamline operations between the main pantry and Cub Pantry locations, and developing guidelines for potential location partners.
The demand for support from the Lion’s Pantry has consistently grown. The Lion’s Pantry has been scaling its programs and capacity to best serve students. Efforts have included increasing team size, expanding storage capacity, and adding software and hardware to track inventory.
“The Lion’s Pantry team is grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm for helping our clients shown by our fellow students, faculty and staff,” said Nick DiPierro, president of the Lion’s Pantry.
Harrison Perring, Cub Pantry director of the Lion’s Pantry, said, “For the ultimate success of the Cub Pantry program, it is critical that we have a system in place for efficiently communicating and working together. That way, we can utilize a streamlined method of tracking inventory and sufficiently support all the Cub Pantries."
Student food insecurity is a pressing issue on campuses across the country, including Penn State. The recent Food and Housing Needs survey indicated that more than 14% of students that responded from all campuses reported that within the last 30 days they did not eat for an entire day due to being unable to afford food.
Units or departments can support the Cub Pantry program by donating items in need, volunteering time to transport weekly orders to official Cub Pantries, or by monetarily donating to the Lion’s Pantry. Those interested in partnering with the Lion’s Pantry can look for upcoming Partner with the Pantry events this spring to learn more about potential opportunities.