Wilkes-Barre, Pa., September 13, 2022 - King’s College recently received the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free+ campus designation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity.
The Hunger-Free Campus initiative builds a coalition of colleges and universities across the Commonwealth to help students at risk of hunger to access free, healthy food on campus; address other basic needs for their students; create opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; and provide resources and strategies for campuses. King’s College is one of 23 institutions to receive the new designation that recognizes the College’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of students and only one of 15 to receive the “+” status acknowledging additional innovative solutions.
In receiving the two-year designation, King’s College is eligible for upcoming grant opportunities through the Division of Higher Education, Access, and Equity related to addressing food insecurity. Luzerne County has a food insecure rate of 12.5%, slightly higher than the national average, and more than 600 King’s College students come from the county, making the institution’s efforts even more critical.
In addition to supporting a student food pantry that provides nonperishable goods, meals ready to eat, and a kitchen where students can prepare and eat meals, the College also provides free clothes closets; support for students who demonstrate chronic need; education and assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and sponsors the King's Food Dignity Project® that helps to establish free food marketplaces onsite at local nonprofits. To learn more about the program, please visit education.pa.gov/post-secondary-adult.