A nationwide effort to alleviate student hunger finds its roots once again at Penn State this spring. The university has joined forces for the fifth straight year with Swipe Out Hunger, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity among college students. From April 20 through May 9, students across all residential campuses can contribute by adding donations of $1, $5, $10, or $15 to their meal purchases at any on-campus dining location, including mobile orders.
Contributions made during this campaign will bolster the Penn State Student Emergency Fund. This fund is instrumental in providing financial assistance to students struggling with basic necessities such as food, housing instability, homelessness, and unforeseen emergencies. Beyond monetary aid, the program connects students with essential resources, ensuring they can focus on their studies without the added stress of meeting daily needs. Leanne Lenz, assistant director for Student Care and Advocacy, emphasized the importance of reducing barriers to education, stating that no student should have to choose between academic success and basic survival.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the university to support students facing challenges related to fundamental needs. Through collaboration with strategic campus partners, Penn State's Student Care and Advocacy team actively works to create solutions for food and housing insecurity. By partnering with Swipe Out Hunger, the university amplifies awareness of these issues while expanding its capacity to address them effectively. Students in need are encouraged to start their journey toward assistance by completing the Basic Needs Request Form, marking the first step towards securing vital support.
Empowering students to assist their peers fosters a community of care and resilience. Initiatives like this underscore the significance of collective action in creating environments where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed academically and personally. Such programs highlight the transformative power of small actions and the profound impact they can have on individuals' lives, promoting a culture of compassion and shared responsibility within the university setting.