STATE COLLEGE, PA — Amid growing concerns about food insecurity on college campuses, Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh visited Penn State to spotlight efforts by students to ensure their peers have access to nutritious food. The tour included stops at Lion’s Pantry and The Student Farm, both of which are integral to the fight against hunger at the university.
Penn State’s Lion’s Pantry, a student-run initiative, provides free, nutritious food to students, faculty, and staff who may be struggling to afford groceries. “Students should not have to choose between paying for their tuition and paying for groceries,” stated Secretary Arkoosh. She emphasized the crucial role that food pantries play in helping students meet basic needs, urging students and other Pennsylvanians to apply for nutrition assistance benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP offers eligible individuals extra funds to purchase food from grocery stores, online platforms, and farmers’ markets. Historically, students enrolled in higher education faced limitations on SNAP eligibility. However, recent policy expansions address these financial challenges, making it easier for students to access the program. Additionally, colleges can now certify employment programs to further expand eligibility, a change that underscores the state’s commitment to educational success and student well-being.
The Student Farm at Penn State, another key component of the university’s approach to combatting food insecurity, includes a diversified four-acre vegetable farm. The farm is part of a broader effort involving the Student Farm Club and the Food Systems minor, which aims to engage students in sustainable agriculture practices and community partnerships.
Dr. Arkoosh’s visit coincides with Hunger Action Month, a time to acknowledge the widespread issue of food insecurity. A report from Temple University indicates that 39 percent of students in two-year programs and 26 percent in four-year programs experience food insecurity, highlighting the need for initiatives like Lion’s Pantry.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has taken significant steps to address these issues, including securing funding for universal free breakfast for 1.7 million K-12 students across Pennsylvania. This commitment reflects a broader understanding of the link between nutrition and academic performance, ensuring that students are prepared to learn without the distraction of hunger.
Hunger has far-reaching impacts on student health and educational outcomes. Inadequate nutrition can lead to chronic diseases, increased hospitalization rates, and higher overall healthcare costs. By supporting student-led efforts and leveraging programs like SNAP, Pennsylvania seeks to mitigate these impacts and foster an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
The initiatives at Penn State serve as a model for addressing food insecurity in educational settings. By prioritizing access to nutritious food, the university and state leaders are working to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all students. As these efforts continue to expand, they hold the promise of reducing hunger and improving the quality of life for students across the Commonwealth.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.