What is food insecurity? It’s defined as “a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level” (Health and Hunger 2020). 1 in 8 Americans face food insecurity, while the total amount of students in college who are food insecure is 50% (Harvard, 2018). Common characteristics of food insecurity are having anxiety/stress about food quality, amount, and variety.  Food insecure students may also reduce intake of foods and/or change eating patterns.

Eating in college can be difficult for any number of reasons. Penn State, and State College, want to help combat some of the food insecurity taking place in the area. There are a variety of resources, both on-campus and off, that are aimed at helping students in-need: Lion’s Pantry, Cub Pantries, Give or Take Lockers, and Project Cahir. 

• Lion’s Pantry: Penn State’s own food bank located between Lion’s Surplus and the Blue Band Building on Services Rd behind the Katz Law Building. Open for students Tuesdays and Fridays 3-5pm. 

• Cub Pantries: Located in the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity in LL011 HUB, Student Care and Advocacy Office in 129 Boucke building, and the lobby in Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. These mini food pantries, which are stocked and maintained by the bigger Lion’s Pantry, provide faster and easier access to food items and snacks for any student who may need them. Within these pantries, there is no need to show identification or sign in. Students can simply walk in and take what they need, without having to jump through any hoops.  
• Give or Take Lockers: Located in the IM Locker Rooms at East Campus. For the Women’s Locker Room, Locker #90 and Men’s Locker #39 are filled with different toiletries that students can take, if needed or donate any extra toiletries they may have. 
• Project Cahir: Project Cahir advocates on behalf of Penn State students who are struggling to meet their most basic needs. The students affiliated with the program also help direct students in need to resources on campus and in the community that will help them. Finally, they collect and distribute packages of toiletries for students and community members in need.

Off-Campus options for food insecure students:

• Food Bank of State College: Located at 1321 S Atherton St. (814) 234-2310. 
  • Hours are Mondays 1-5pm and Wednesdays and Fridays 1-4pm. First-time clients are received 2-3pm on these days.” (PSU Student Affairs, 2019) 
• Abba Java: 299 Locust Lane, 9am-9pm weekdays (weekend varies). (814) 238-6739.
  • Offers coffee, snacks, and a space for students to study and socialize. 

Don’t hesitate to stop by at any of these locations, all of them are safe spaces that help to make Penn State, and State College, warm and welcoming communities. If you are interested in learning more, check out our resources tab for more information.

By: Savannah Diamon, Emmy Sikora