UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is partnering with the nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger for the fall “Swipe Out Hunger” drive for the fourth consecutive year. Running from Nov. 11 through Nov. 18 to correspond with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Penn State students can donate $1, $5, $10 or $15 when they pay for their meal at any residential dining hall facility or when using mobile ordering.
Student donations during the spring drive raised over $34,000. Donated funds support the Penn State Emergency Fund, which provides financial support and dining dollars for students in need.
More than 14% of students at Penn State indicated that they did not eat at least once in the previous month due to the inability to afford food, according to the 2022 Food and Housing Needs survey.
Leann Lenz, associate director for Student Care and Advocacy, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, said that the fall 2022 Food and Housing Needs survey underscored the high level of food insecurity that some Penn State students experience.
“Swipe Out Hunger offers the Penn State community a chance to rally together, providing vital support for those facing hardship and creating a community where all students have the opportunity to thrive," Lenz said.
The Swipe Out Hunger drive is part of a University-wide effort to support students who may be having trouble meeting basic needs. Student Care and Advocacy was expanded and ongoing efforts to improve the student-run Lion’s Pantry at University Park and pantries at Commonwealth Campuses continue.
"This week is important to raise awareness for such a vital issue and cause,” said Jim Meinecke, director of residential dining for the University Park campus. “It’s also amazing to see our students being so selfless and helping one another.”
Penn State Student Affairs has resources available for students' facing food or housing insecurity. Students from all campuses with an immediate need can complete the Basic Needs Request form to get started.