PDE names Mercyhurst ‘Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus’

For all its initiatives aimed at eliminating food insecurity on campus, Mercyhurst University has been named a ”Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus” by the state Department of Education (PDE).

To advance student food security efforts across the state, the Pennsylvania Office of the First Lady and PDE launched the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus initiative. The initiative includes building a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students, creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates, providing resources and strategies for campuses, and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity.

Consistent with its Mercy Mission, Mercyhurst maintains a food panty for students to access nonperishable food and hygiene items. It also participates in the national Swipe Out Hunger campaign that enables students and employees with extra meal swipes on their dining cards to donate them to students in need. In addition, the Mercy Market is available for students lacking access to necessities, unable to afford new books every semester, and/or in need of professional wardrobe items.

The initiatives are operated under the auspices of the Office of Mission and involve efforts by the One-Card and Community Engagement offices in collaboration with the university’s food service provider, Parkhurst Dining.

“It’s hard to accept that college students are going to class hungry, or skipping the chance to hang out with their friends in the dining hall because they can’t afford a meal,” said Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “We are honored to receive this designation, which reflects the dedicated work of our community to wipe out hunger. Still, we regret that it is even needed, and we will continue to do all that we can to ensure our students don’t go hungry.”