JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry Meets with Senator Williams’ Staff to Discuss Campus Hunger
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry staff attended a virtual staff visit with Pennsylvania State Senator Lindsey Williams’ staff Legislative Director Cheryl Kleiman and Chief of Staff Megan Winters. Hosted by Challah for Hunger, Swipe out Hunger, and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the participants talked about the issues of campus hunger and discussed with Senator Williams’ staff co-sponsorship for a bill that will help fund a hunger-free higher education future.
Food insecurity among college students is a much overlooked issue, and one that JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry encounters all too often. In a 2020 Chegg survey, around one-third of college students reported facing food insecurity. Our staff shared some data and stories to support the development of policies that would ensure no college student has to go hungry. The proposed bill, for the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program, would provide grants to public colleges and universities specifically to address food insecurity. To qualify, the schools would need to have a nearby food pantry and a staff member dedicated to helping students apply for SNAP benefits. You can learn more about the bill and food insecurity among college students in PA here.