UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is partnering with the nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger for the fall “Swipe Out Hunger” drive for the fourth consecutive year. Running from Nov. 17 through Nov. 23 to correspond with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Penn State students at any residential campus can donate $1, $5, $10 or $15 when they pay for their meal at any residential dining hall facility or when using mobile ordering.
Donated funds support the Penn State Emergency Fund, which provides financial support and dining dollars for students in need.
University Park student donations last fall totaled over $5,200. Donations for fall and spring from the University Park dining commons, HUB-Robeson Center dining locations, and Commonwealth Campuses for fall and spring came to more than $45,000.
The Swipe Out Hunger campaign will remain open through the end of the fall semester for students to continue donating their leftover dining dollars as the semester closes on Dec. 20.
Penn State University Park dining kicked off Swipe Out Hunger early by hosting a new annual event, a Chili Cook-Off on Nov. 14 at the South Food District. A $5 donation to the Student Emergency Fund earned diners five flights of chili and the opportunity to vote on a favorite. Each of the five University Park dining commons contributed a chili, and West Food District was the winner.
“Our partnership with Swipe Out Hunger highlights the importance of coming together to support students in need,” said Leann Lenz, associate director for Student Care and Advocacy. “Donating during the Swipe Out Hunger drive not only helps fellow Penn Staters facing food insecurity but also strengthens our community, creating a healthier and more connected campus for everyone.”
More than 14% of students at Penn State indicated that they did not eat at least once in the previous month due to the inability to afford food, according to the 2022 Food and Housing Needs survey.
The Swipe Out Hunger drive is part of a University-wide effort to support students who may be having trouble meeting basic needs. Student Care and Advocacy, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, is part of a basic needs collaborative group with strategic campus partners who meet regularly and work together to support students.
The group includes student organizations like Students United Against Poverty, the Lion’s Pantry, the Food Recovery Network, Housing and Food Services, the Sokolov-Miller Financial Literacy Center, and more are working to collaboratively support students by addressing basic needs from all angles.
Penn State Student Affairs has resources available for students' facing food or housing insecurity. Students from all campuses with an immediate need can complete the Basic Needs Request form to get started.