Central Penn College Earns Hunger-Free Campus Designation and New Grants to Expand Food Assistance

College Earns Key Grants to Expand Food Pantry and Anti-Hunger Efforts

At a time when food insecurity is on the rise nationwide, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has officially recognized Central Penn College’s efforts to combat hunger by re-designating the 144-year-old college as a “Hunger-Free Campus.” This honor is complemented by a $3,000 “Swipe out Hunger” grant from a national nonprofit, and a grant from M&T Bank—all dedicated to bolstering the college’s food pantry and anti-hunger initiatives.

With this designation and these grants, the college aims to help feed more students in need, expand its on-campus food pantry, and continue to build essential partnerships with surrounding community resources.

“Central Penn College has always been devoted to caring for our students in need in a holistic way, offering scholarships, a free food pantry, free professional clothing, significantly reduced housing costs, and other discreet, compassionate assistance,” said College President Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams. “We are grateful for these grants and the recognition of Central Penn College’s unrelenting focus on the health and well-being of our students, so they can thrive here and beyond, without worrying about where their next meal is coming from.”

The college plans to expand the quantity and kinds of food available in its pantry, to include more microwave-ready meals, fresh produce, and options for various dietary requests, helping to combat food insecurity that is now being intensified by external factors, such as the recent government shutdown.

Resources to Combat Food Insecurity and Need

The recent government shutdown has impacted over three million people, including some of our own Knights. With federal workers not getting paid, delayed SNAP benefits, and limited access to VA representatives, the need for support is critical. Central Penn College has organized a network of resources to help students facing a variety of issues:

On-Campus Support: Central Penn College Food Pantry

Our College Food Pantry, located in Bollinger Hall, is your confidential resource for immediate food needs, dedicated to helping students and their families:

How to Request: Information and the request form can be found on the Residence Life tab on the Student Services’ SharePoint Page.

Confidential Process: Once your request is received, your order will be filled by a member of Residence Life. All requests are kept strictly confidential.

Pickup Time: Orders are typically ready for pickup within 24-48 hours.

Pickup Location: You will receive an email confirmation to pick up your order from the Office of Residence Life in Bollinger 40. Please bring your CPC ID/State Issued ID.

Accommodations: Arrangements can be made for students who are unable to travel to campus for pickup.

Note on Supplies: The college is working hard to expand its offerings, but please remember that supplies fluctuate based on donations. The pantry often includes food, cleaning items, toiletries, and school supplies. Commuters, evening students, and online students are all eligible to use the pantry.

Help Connecting with Services

If you are aware of someone in need, or need personalized assistance, please reach out:

Email the Student Success Coaches at successcoaches@centralpenn.edu or kerizeigler@centralpenn.edu and they will reach out to offer help discreetly.

External & Community Resources

SNAP for Students (PA State-Sponsored Funds): State funds to shop at local stores. Eligibility is based on income and meeting specific student exemption criteria. Apply through the COMPASS system: https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/

New Hope Ministries: Serves parts of Cumberland, Perry, Adams, and York Counties. This organization provides food and other basic needs with a goal of helping recipients achieve independence. Call them to request assistance.

Summer Meals for Kids: (US Dept of Agriculture & PA Dept of Education) SUMMERTIME ONLY. Meals served locally to all children under age 18 with no income requirement. Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunmeals to find a location and hours.

How You Can Help

The success of the on-campus Food Pantry reflects our caring community. If you can donate, every little bit helps. Please drop off your non-perishable food items in the food collection boxes located in the ATEC lobby.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, please visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/resources/student/empoweru/resources-for-institutions/grants/pennsylvania-hunger-free-campus-initiative.