YORK, Pa. — York College of Pennsylvania announced its plans to expand its food pantry, using a $40,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education's PA Hunger-Free Campus program.
The expansion will help the College "continue to battle food insecurity and help students in need for years to come," the school's communications office said in a press release.
"The [PA Hunger-Free Campus] program continues to build a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students; creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; providing resources for campuses and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity," said Lynette Kuhn, Chief of the Pennsylvania Division of Higher Education, Access and Equity.
The food pantry is located in the College's student union. The school said it plans to use the grant to improve campus life for its students by:
- Buying two refrigerator units to store campus-grown produce and beverages
- Buying and displaying sealed containers for grains and other nutritional items
- Offering discounted meals for students in dining halls
- Educating and promoting SNAP benefits
- Partnering with local organic farming businesses to hold a farmer's market
"It is our goal to create an inclusive and healthy environment for our students across campus, of all backgrounds," said Alex Hernandez-Siegel, director of the York College Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion. "This grant will help us offer healthy, fresh, local and even organic food options to our students at no charge through our food pantry services."
"This will help the pantry grow and evolve, adapting to the changing needs of our community. We are committed to ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive, both academically and personally," said Hernandez-Siegel.
