UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — During Earth Week this past April, Penn State students raised almost $30,000 for the Student Emergency Fund by donating extra dining dollars from their campus meal plans.

All Penn State residential campuses participated in "Swipe Out Hunger" in conjunction with Earth Week 2022 when students had the opportunity to donate excess dining dollars on their meal plans any time they dined on campus.

Donations from University Park dining commons, HUB-Robeson Center dining locations, and Commonwealth Campuses came to $29,840, an increase from last year. 

The Student Emergency Fund is a program that provides short-term financial assistance to students experiencing crises through Student Care & Advocacy.

Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit committed to ending college student hunger, works with more than 435 colleges and universities nationwide to implement anti-hunger programs. The group that brought Swipe Out Hunger to Penn State includes task force subcommittee members from Housing and Food Services and Student Affairs and students. They work with the Lion's Pantry, a food pantry at University Park. 

Students who are experiencing facing financial challenges and other basic needs can find resources through the Student Affairs website.