UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will host its annual “Swipe Out Hunger” campaign from April 19–25, encouraging students to donate dining dollars to support peers experiencing food insecurity.
The initiative, held in partnership with the national nonprofit organization Swipe Out Hunger, allows students at all residential campuses to contribute funds when purchasing meals at campus dining locations or through mobile ordering. Donations will support Penn State’s Student Emergency Fund, which provides financial assistance and emergency dining support to students facing food and housing insecurity.
Students can donate in set increments when using their meal plans, offering a simple way to make an impact while using remaining dining dollars near the end of the semester.
The campaign is part of a broader University effort to address basic needs insecurity and ensure students have access to essential resources. Student Care and Advocacy, a unit within the division of Student Affairs, administers the Student Emergency Fund and works with campus partners to connect students with support services.
“Programs like Swipe Out Hunger give students an opportunity to support one another in meaningful ways,” said Leanne Lenz, director for Student Care and Advocacy. “Even small contributions can help ensure students have access to meals and can focus on their academic success.”
Penn State’s Swipe Out Hunger campaign is part of a national movement to address college food insecurity. Through partnerships with institutions across the country, the organization works to raise awareness and expand access to resources for students in need.
“Housing and Food Services is working alongside campus partners to make it easy for students to participate in Swipe Out Hunger and support their peers,” said Karen Kreger, assistant vice president for Penn State Housing and Food Services. “This collaboration helps expand access to resources and reinforces a shared commitment to student success.”
Students experiencing food insecurity or other basic needs challenges can access support through Student Affairs, including the "Basic Needs Request Form" and additional campus resources.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills, and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.