UNIVERSITY PARK — “I’m Starving college student”- Says many college students. However, the truth behind the quote is quite unsettling. Food insecurity issues are highly associated with college students. 31% of college students have reported that feeding themselves is a struggle daily.
Some families struggle enough just putting their children through college considering how expensive tuition and other fees are therefore daily expenses are nearly impossible for students to keep up with.
A small group of students, one being Jake Ruddy, brought forth their mission as a step forward in decreasing food insecurity by opening a pantry on campus. After doing research and discovering other universities had food banks, the selfless students knew it was exactly what Penn State University Park’s campus needed.
A little over a year ago the idea became a reality, called The Lion’s Pantry, with the help of constituencies and other donors.
Two of the seven students who came to the food bank on a Friday afternoon. Photo by Shanice SimmonsThe Food Bank has a no questions asked kind of policy which allow student to come freely without embarrassment. This resource fulfills a basic need that can be sometime hard to obtain for any student no matter the circumstance.
Lauren Foisy, secretary of the Pantry says she knows some students have to work two jobs to survive and she is glad she can volunteer her time in making students live easier.
Students who do not necessarily need the services can still participate by signing up to volunteer during the open hours or dontating foods through The Lion's Pantry website.
Supermarket Styled
Open on Tuesdays and Friday from 3pm to 5pm, Students can find anything from pasta, to cereal, snacks and vegetables.