Keystone Today

Food insecurity for college-aged students is a nationwide issue that's also impacting Pennsylvania, and last week First Lady Frances Wolf spoke with students and staff at Bucks County Community College about college hunger, addressing the need for resources.

According to a release by Gov. Tom Wolf’s office on June 27,  an estimated 36% of college students know someone who has dropped out due to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 52% of students who faced food or housing insecurity in 2020 didn’t apply for support because they didn’t know how.

“Too many college students are overworked and underserved as they pursue futures that can benefit all of Pennsylvania,” First Lady Wolf said. “With proposals like the Hunger-Free Campus initiative and Nellie Bly, we have an opportunity to alleviate the burden of hunger for the students who need it most and help them pay for the stifling costs of higher education.” 

First Lady Wolf spoke about the growing needs that students are experiencing regarding food and other basic needs. She also discussed the governor’s $1 million investment focused on addressing college hunger, as well as the proposed $200 million Nellie Bly Scholarship Program that was included in the 2022-23 state budget.

She toured the campus and learned how the Bucks County Community College (BCCC) is addressing the needs of students. This is through programs like Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS), which is funded by the state’s Department of Human Services. The program assists students who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

The KEYS Program provides this assistance through career counseling and academic support that includes financial aid; support services like child care, textbooks and transportation through the County Assistance Office; and connecting students to community service agencies.

The college has developed a gift card program and “standing pantries”, which are shelves located across campus that are stocked with food and toiletry items. 

Interim Dean of Students Dekia Smith said that part of the college’s mission is providing pathways to inspire educational, professional and personal fulfillment.

“We recognize that whether it’s food insecurity, homelessness or the need for emergency funds, many of our students do not have what they need to meet their higher education goals,” Smith said. “The governor’s proposal to Swipe Out Hunger would support our work to ensure an accessible, equitable and supportive experience for our students. We are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking and transformative initiative.”

The governor’s proposed 2022-23 budget includes $1 million in a Hunger Free Campus grant program that helps colleges and universities to set up food pantries, expand SNAP outreach, improve data gathering and support projects to address student hunger. Colleges and universities are also encouraged to become a COMPASS Community Partner, joining in a program that connects students to support and assistance programs.

The Nellie Bly Scholarship Program that has been proposed by Gov. Wolf includes $200 million to go to equitable access and enrollment in Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools and the state’s community colleges. It would help with student tuition and also address workforce needs through programs in the fields of health care, education and public service. These students would live and work in Pennsylvania.