Gwynedd Mercy University Named Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus
Gwynedd Mercy University is proud to announce it received the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus + designation from the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education. GMercyU’s designation will remain in effect for two years.
The Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus + designation grants a certificate from the PA Department of Education, public recognition indicating GMercyU’s campus is committed to supporting students’ health and well-being, and use of the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus logo.
“Receiving the PA Hunger-Free Campus designation is a wonderful recognition for what has become a Mercy tradition: seeing a need in the community and responding with action. The creation and growth of Catherine’s Cupboard addresses a real need on our campus and we are proud to display the PA Hunger-Free Campus designation,” shared Gwynedd Mercy University President Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD.
Since 2016, GMercyU has demonstrated its commitment to alleviating hunger on campus by opening Catherine’s Cupboard, a full-service pantry for students and their families. Catherine’s Cupboard addresses food insecurity by providing non-perishable groceries, frozen meats, fresh produce, and dairy products as well as personal care products, household supplies, and diapers and wipes for student parents. Students can also choose healthy snack choices and smart meals in between classes at two location in academic and student services areas through Catherine’s Cupboard.
Catherine’s Cupboard works in partnership with Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, PA, with the support of the College Student Basic Needs (CSBN) consortium. With this partnership, students utilize Smart Choice, an online ordering system that allows for direct ordering of groceries.
GMercyU’s dedication to eliminating food insecurity on campus goes beyond Catherine’s Cupboard. GMercyU has grant funding that provides students flex dollars to purchase on-campus meals.
About the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative
To combat food insecurity on college campuses, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has developed the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus initiative. The initiative’s focus is on building and fostering a coalition of colleges and universities with a strong focus on addressing food insecurity and other basic needs for students. The PA Hunger-Free Campus initiative focuses on creating connections between student hunger advocates, providing campuses with necessary resources and strategies, and supporting grant applications related to combating food insecurity.