Keystone Today

Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf and Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty met with students and faculty at Millersville University recently. 

They revealed the new Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, according to a press release from Gov. Tom Wolf's (D-PA) office. The initiative will help students who are at risk of hunger access free, healthy food on college campuses across the state.

"Hunger is a devastating reality affecting too many of Pennsylvania's post-secondary students as they strive to further their education, and today I am proud to say that here in Pennsylvania, we are refusing to accept it," the First Lady said in the press release. "I invite all of Pennsylvania's institutions of higher education to apply for the Hunger-Free Campus designation and join their dedicated colleagues in ensuring our students have access to the tools they need to succeed, especially nutritious food."

The initiative, along with the Hunger-Free Campus+ Initiative, is building a coalition of institutions of higher education (IHE) across Pennsylvania, the press release noted. It is focused on dealing with hunger and the basic needs of college students. It will create opportunities to connect student hunger advocates, provide additional resources, and help students apply for grants.

The 2022-23 state budget included a $1 million investment for the Hunger-Free Campus grant program, according to the press release. With the grant money, schools can enhance food pantries, increase outreach for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and improve data gathering. Eligible schools need to have a Hunger-Free Campus designation; applications will be available in the fall.

Hagarty expressed the need for students to access healthy food so they can be focused, learn, grow, and thrive. 

"Many post-secondary students face financial barriers to filling their most basic needs," he said. "The Hunger-Free Campus Initiative empowers Pennsylvania's colleges and universities to combat hunger on their campuses and provide the resources that students need to continue their education and go on to obtain family-sustaining, meaningful careers."

Pennsylvania IHEs that are addressing student hunger can apply for the PA Hunger-Free Campus designation, the press release noted. With this designation, they will receive certification from the state's Department of Education, be recognized on the initiative's website, be able to use the initiative's logo, and be prepared for grant opportunities.

"Food insecurity is a threat to student success on college campuses here in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.,” Daniel Wubah, president of Millersville University, said in the press release. "It has the potential to impact academics, wellness, and behavior, which are factors that have bearing on student retention and graduation rates. At Millersville University, we have a range of programs to help ensure our students don't go hungry. For instance, Share Meals is a free app that MU students can use to geolocate free meals at MU. And, since 2012 we have worked with Campus Cupboard to provide a food pantry for our students."