Evan Kephart and Heather Turnwall, campus ministry staff, organize donated and purchased food for the shelves of Penn State Altoona’s food pantry.
Penn State Altoona’s Interfaith Council is sponsoring a new program to assist students who are struggling to make ends meet.
Ivyside Eats is a food pantry stocked with mostly non-perishable items such as pasta, cereal, tuna, and soup that are available to students free of charge. “We are trying to meet a need for our students,” says campus minister Heather Turnwall. “Especially at the end of the semester, some of them begin to run out of money on their food plan or, if they live off campus, they may have to choose between buying groceries or paying other bills.”
The pantry opened for use in April. Local churches and community members donated some of the food, while about $1,500 was allotted to the program from the Student Activities Fee.
Evan Kephart, another campus minister, says he has seen many students make use of the Altoona food bank, so offering something similar on campus is another way for the college to care for its students. “It can be hard for them to make ends meet, and that can put a strain on their academics. One bag of food could make a whole world of difference for someone.”
The council plans to continue the program next academic year, likely at the end of each semester.
“I just really love students, and I want them to be successful here, and if food is one thing they worry about, I want to help with that worry,” says Turnwall. “I really believe we are called to help other people, to share what we have,” adds Kephart. “It’s wonderful to be a part of something that benefits others.”