UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three units in Student Affairs have received a $60,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Program (PA Hunger-Free Campus) to advance student food security efforts across the commonwealth.
The grant funds will support programs in Student Care and Advocacy, the Lion’s Pantry and the Sustainable Food Systems Program to benefit students across all Penn State campuses.
“The fall 2022 Food and Housing Survey indicated that nearly 15% of University Park students are struggling with food insecurity,” said Leanne Lenz, associate director for Student Care and Advocacy. “Access to food and other basic needs is crucial for academic success, mental and physical well-being. Programs like those funded through the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant promote equal opportunities and prepare students for future success.”
Student Care and Advocacy works to support students who are facing unexpected challenges, including those struggling with basic needs. Grant funds will help increase SNAP and Medicaid education and accessibility while also helping to expand the Basic Needs Hub, which provides essential items such as hats, gloves and hygiene products to students at University Park.
Grant funds will support both the Lion’s Pantry at University Park and food pantries located at Penn State Commonwealth Campuses.
The Sustainable Food Systems Program, which includes the Student Farm, plan to expand fresh produce programs for students like the Feed the People Market Stand and free Community Supported Agriculture shares for students in need. Grant funds will also support the Food Recovery Network, which distributes unused food from campus eateries, and Sustainable Food Systems Community Wellness AmeriCorps support.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Shapiro administration for the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant which allows us to advance our food security and basic needs initiatives in a way that increases accessibility and contributes to overall wellbeing and success of Penn State students,” Lenz said.