Venkat: $20,000 to aid in goal of Hunger-Free campuses

Grant will help address food insecurity at La Roche University

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – Newly acquired funding of $20,000 will help La Roche University in McCandless move closer towards the goal of a hunger-free campus, state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced today.

The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program, a program that is part of the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative.

“We know that hunger plays a big role in how well a student can perform in school,” Venkat said. “Studies show us that students who don’t know where their next meal may come from are more likely to have lower test scores and poorer outcomes than their peers.

“Additionally, food insecurity should not be costing any students long-term consequences like failing out of college, a very important steppingstone for adults,” Venkat said. “Securing this funding will help college students move towards better health and academic performance, which will have long-lasting benefits.”

These grants are awarded with the purpose of addressing food insecurity on campuses, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives and upgrading facilities. Awardees will be able to utilize the grant funds until Dec. 31.

More on the funding is available here.