HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is taking a proactive stance against student hunger, a pervasive issue that can severely impact academic success. As part of this initiative, the PDE has awarded $1 million in PA Hunger-Free Campus grants to 30 higher education institutions and private licensed schools across the Commonwealth. This funding aims to address food insecurity on campuses by expanding access to food options, raising awareness of the issue, and upgrading facilities.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the importance of ensuring students have access to nutritious food. He stated, “Students of all ages learn best when they start the day with a full stomach and are better prepared to succeed when they have access to nutritious, healthy food.”
The grant program is part of the governor’s broader initiative to combat hunger among students of all ages. Previously, his administration secured funding to provide universal free breakfast to 1.7 million K-12 students in Pennsylvania.
The grant recipients have devised innovative strategies to meet the unique needs of college students. These initiatives range from offering a variety of meal plans that don’t interfere with SNAP eligibility, developing meal-sharing programs, to educating student leaders on campus to create student-centered programs and facilitating innovative community partnerships.
The Hunger-Free Campus Initiative is a coalition that includes all grant recipients. The coalition focuses on addressing hunger and other basic needs for students, creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates, providing resources and strategies for campuses, and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity.
The PDE is currently accepting applications for PA Hunger-Free Campus designations. Designees will receive a certificate of recognition and placement on the PA Hunger-Free Campus website, along with an opportunity to apply for future grant opportunities.
Last year, the PDE unveiled PA MASLOW: A Hierarchy of Collegiate Basic Needs. This cross-agency partnership expands on the mission of PDE, ensuring that every student not only has access to education but also to the support and resources they need to succeed in their studies.
PA MASLOW is a comprehensive guide to supporting postsecondary students, based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Basic Needs. Addressing these needs individually, Pennsylvania ensures that learners have everything they need to be successful and complete their credentials.
The fight against student hunger is crucial. Food insecurity can lead to a range of negative outcomes for students, from lower grades and graduation rates to higher rates of physical and mental health issues. By addressing this issue head-on, Pennsylvania is taking an essential step to ensure the success of its students, contributing to a stronger, more educated workforce for the future.
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