Pitt received $60,000 in PA Hunger-Free Campus grant funding

The University of Pittsburgh was awarded a $60,000 PA Hunger-Free Campus grant to combat student food insecurity.

Funding from the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which was unveiled by first lady Frances Wolf and Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty in summer 2022, can be used until Dec. 31 to address hunger by expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives and upgrading facilities.

Pitt was one of 28 higher education institutions in the first cohort of recipients and the University earned the maximum amount for institutions with 7,001 learners or more.

Pitt was also designated a PA Hunger-Free Campus+ for implementing additional innovative solutions for the campus community. Examples of these solutions across the cohort include offering a variety of meal plans, including an option that provides ten or fewer meals weekly to avoid interfering with SNAP eligibility, creating or implementing meal-sharing programs, educating student leaders on campus to develop student-centered programs and facilitating innovative community partnerships.

“Hunger should never be what holds someone back from taking steps to invest in their future — and the future of Pennsylvania. From high school graduates pursuing career pathways to adults making career changes and adapting to shifts in workforce needs, students deserve proper support in achieving their higher education goals,” said Wolf.

As a designee, Pitt will receive a certificate of recognition and placement on the PA Hunger-Free Campus website and can also apply for future grant opportunities.