UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For the fifth consecutive year, Penn State is partnering with the national nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger for the spring “Swipe out Hunger” drive. Beginning Sunday, April 20, through the end of the spring 2025 semester, May 9, Penn State students at any residential campus (University Park, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, Behrend, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, and Mont Alto) can donate $1, $5, $10, or $15 when they pay for their meals at any residential dining facility, including their mobile orders.
All donated funds will go toward Penn State’s Student Emergency Fund, which directly supports students at every campus facing food insecurity, as well as additional needs, including housing insecurity, homelessness and unexpected emergencies. The fund provides financial support to students in need while connecting them with resources.
“It’s impossible for our students to focus on their education when they are spending time worrying about where they are going to get their next meal. We want students to know that there are resources available to support those basic needs,” said Leanne Lenz, assistant director for Student Care and Advocacy, which administers the Student Emergency Fund. “This provides students a chance to donate a small amount but have a big impact in supporting their peers.”
This drive is part of a larger University initiative to support students who experience challenges meeting their 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 all Penn State students. Swipe Out Hunger gives Penn State the opportunity to work with the national organization to raise greater awareness of student food insecurity and increase the impact of their efforts to raise funds to end hunger across the University.
Penn State Student Affairs has resources available for students' facing food or housing insecurity. Any Penn State student with an immediate need can begin by completing the Basic Needs Request Form.
