Central Penn College Awarded Grant to Support Student Food Security

Central Penn College has been awarded a Governor’s PA Hunger-Free Campus grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, reinforcing the College’s commitment to addressing student hunger and basic needs.

The Governor’s PA Hunger-Free Campus grant program, championed by Governor Josh Shapiro, provides critical funding to postsecondary institutions working to reduce food insecurity and remove barriers that can impact student persistence and success. The initiative is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and championed by the Office of the First Lady, Lori Shapiro.

At Central Penn College, the funding will be used to expand and strengthen multiple food-access efforts on campus.

“This grant allows us to meet students where their needs are,” said Megan Rehm Kaiser, M.Ed., Lead Success Coach and Director of Veteran Support. “A significant portion of the funding will ensure our residential students have access to meals during holidays and academic breaks. We will also use grant funds to provide vouchers during our Summer Term, helping students stay nourished while building community. The remaining support will go directly to our College Pantry, allowing us to continue expanding access to essential food resources for students facing food insecurity.”

The Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative was launched to address a growing national concern: students struggling to balance their education with basic needs like food and housing. Statewide data show that more than one-third of students know someone who left college due to food insecurity, while many students who experience hunger never seek help because they are unaware of available resources.

Through this grant, Central Penn College joins a statewide coalition of institutions working collaboratively to reduce hunger, increase awareness of support services, and help students focus on their education rather than where their next meal will come from.