Food Insecurity

At Penn State Behrend, we're working to combat food insecurity in our community. Originally managed by AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members as part of a multi-year project, we have now formed Behrend's Food Insecurity Advisory Board to oversee projects and programs related to food security for students. Operations are managed by Civic and Community Engagement.

Food insecurity, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, is the "social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food" resulting in hunger or "disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake."

The Lion’s Pantry

Nearly 20 percent of students at four-year colleges do not have sufficient access to safe and nutritious food. Penn State Behrend is no exception to this statistic. Because students shouldn’t have to worry about obtaining fundamental necessities when they are focusing on academics, the Behrend Lion’s Pantry was developed to provide students in need with regular access to food items and personal hygiene products. If you are a student in need (simply defined as not having a reliable supply of nutritious food), visit the Behrend Lion’s Pantry website to find out how to participate in the confidential program.

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Student Garden

The Behrend Student Garden, just north of Smith Chapel, is an ongoing initiative supported by student garden interns, staff, and community partners. Learn more about the student garden.

Penn State Behrend's student garden will continue to be a big part of the Sustainable Food Systems Program.