Norristown, PA – November 25, 2024 – Pennsylvania State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) is pleased to announce that Eastern University has been awarded a Hunger-Free Campus Grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant, totaling $39,618, will help expand resources and initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity among students at Eastern University.
This funding is part of Pennsylvania’s continued commitment to combating hunger on college campuses and ensuring that all students have access to the nourishment they need to succeed academically and personally. The grant will support the university’s efforts to provide on-campus food assistance, enhance student meal programs, and increase access to nutritious food options for those who are struggling.
“Food insecurity is a significant challenge for many students across our Commonwealth, and it is vital that we work together to remove barriers to success,” said Senator Cappelletti. “This grant will provide Eastern University with the resources necessary to ensure that no student has to choose between their education and basic nutritional needs. By investing in programs that promote food security, we are setting students up for success, both inside and outside the classroom.”
Eastern University will use the grant funds to strengthen its existing initiatives, including expanding food pantries, offering meal subsidies, and providing outreach to students who may be in need of assistance but are unaware of available resources. The university is dedicated to creating an environment where all students have the support they need to thrive.
“Eastern University is excited to receive the PA Department of Education’s Hunger-Free Campus grant for the second consecutive year,” says Jenny Lowman, Assistant Director of Institutional Support at Eastern. “This funding will allow us to expand our student-led initiatives addressing food insecurity on campus, especially as our enrollment continues to grow. We will be able to provide free meal plans to students in need, food packages to 175+ students who remain on campus during breaks due to housing insecurity, and support our student pantry with an inventory system and stipends for student workers.”
The Hunger-Free Campus Grant is part of a statewide initiative to address food insecurity among college students, ensuring that campuses across Pennsylvania have the resources to meet students’ basic needs. See the statewide list here.
###