York College to Expand Food Pantry Program to Help Students in Need as Campus Population Grows
York College of Pennsylvania is proud to announce the future expansion of the campus food pantry, which will continue to battle food insecurity and help students in need for years to come.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently awarded York College a $40,000 grant as part of the Department’s 2024-2025 PA Hunger-Free Campus program.
“The 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 and strategies for campuses; and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity,” Lynette Kuhn, Chief of the Pennsylvania Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity, said.
The expansion of York College’s food pantry initiative fits right into that mission.
“It is our goal to create an inclusive and healthy environment for our students across campus, of all backgrounds,” Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Director Alex Hernández-Siegel said. “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.”
“At York College, we recognize that student success extends beyond the classroom, and addressing basic needs like food security is essential for our students' well-being,” Dr. Thomas Burns, President of York College, said. “This funding 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.”
Reaching Those In Need
YCP’s food pantry is in the student union. York College plans to use this funding in several ways to improve campus life for students to use the food pantry:
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Buy two refrigerator units to store campus-grown produce, as well as beverages
The food pantry receives produce donations from YCP’s Environmental Horticulture Department and other off-campus partners. The refrigerators will help store these items and keep them fresh. -
● Buy and display sealed containers for grains and other nutritional items
Many of our offerings are non-perishable goods in cans or plastic packaging. We aim to offer whole grains, nuts, and other nutritional items by offering ways to store them properly. As we continue to expand, we will also look to have more display units, such as racks and shelving, to store the additional food items. -
● Offer discounted meals for students in dining halls
York College offers limited free meal vouchers for students unable to purchase a meal plan. This grant will help extend that offer to more students as the on-campus population grows. -
● Education and Promotion of SNAP benefits
As college student demographics change and we enroll more low-income students at York College of Pennsylvania, we must be able to educate them beyond academics. Many still do not understand that a student paying for college could also be eligible for “food stamps.” This grant will further educate college students on the eligibility of SNAP benefits. -
● YCP Farmer’s Market and York Food Bank
York College plans to partner with local organic farming businesses to hold a Farmer’s Market with fresh, locally produced food items on our campus in Spring 2025 as part of an outreach program for our food pantry services.Looking Forward
York College is honored to better meet the nutritional needs of students who struggle to access healthy food on a regular basis. The food pantry has two students who are willing to speak with the media about how the pantry is needed on campus and what they hope to see from this generous grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Media members can contact Julie Loeper, York College Director of Communications, for more information.
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