SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Johnson College announced Wednesday that it has received a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger, a national group dedicated to alleviating food insecurity among college students. The funds will go toward bolstering the college’s food and resource pantry — known as the Refuel Station — benefiting students, faculty, and staff. The grant was awarded thanks to funding from The GIANT Company, a partner of Swipe Out Hunger.

The money will enable Johnson College to expand the variety of food available beyond what is currently provided by external partners like regional food banks. Improvements include buying additional shelving for greater storage capacity and acquiring a mini-refrigerator to store perishable items like dairy — allowing the pantry to offer more nutritious, balanced choices year-round.

Swipe Out Hunger, which supports campus-based food access and emergency food resources, has in recent years awarded similar grants — typically ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 — to dozens of colleges nationwide as part of a broader push against student hunger on campuses.

Why Campus Pantries Matter: Food Insecurity Among College Students

The need for resources such as the Refuel Station is underscored by growing evidence that many college students struggle to secure stable, adequate food supplies. According to a 2020 analysis by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an estimated 23% of college students — about 3.8 million individuals nationwide — experienced food insecurity.

The research reveals a wide variability in food-insecurity rates across different institutions and student populations. Some studies suggest that as many as one in three college students face food insecurity.

Food insecurity among college students has been linked to serious academic and personal consequences: students facing hunger are more likely to report lower academic performance, higher stress and mental-health concerns, and a diminished likelihood of completing their degrees.

Broader Context: Campus-Based Solutions for Student Hunger

Organizations like Swipe Out Hunger advocate that on-campus pantries, meal-donation programs, and resource hubs provide critical safety nets for students who may not qualify for federal nutrition assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many students — especially those attending community colleges, working part-time, or juggling family obligations — fall through gaps in eligibility rules.

By receiving this grant, Johnson College is joining hundreds of other institutions nationwide working to make sure that “having enough to eat” isn’t a barrier to academic success.