Several Pittsburgh-area universities are getting state grants to help fight student hunger.
The PA Hunger-Free Campus grants can be used to create or expand campus food pantries, build community partnerships and offer meal plans that are eligible for federal SNAP benefits.
According to nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger, 40% of college students nationwide face food insecurity and 95% of schools offer some kind of food assistance.
The $1 million in grants went to colleges and universities statewide that are members of the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative.
“When college campuses offer assistance to students at risk of hunger, they’re helping vulnerable learners feel seen, valued, and supported,” said state Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe.
The Shapiro administration said the recipients “developed innovative and flexible initiatives to meet the unique needs of college students.” Examples include meal-sharing programs and educating student leaders on campus.
Chatham University plans to use its $20,000 grant to stock the school’s free store with hygiene products and create “break boxes” for students who stay on campus during holiday breaks. It will also expand its food pantry from only shelf-stable foods to also include fresh and frozen foods.
Carlow, Carnegie Mellon, Point Park, Robert Morris and Slippery Rock also received grants.