University of Scranton Awarded PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant

By Marcus Smith '27, Student Correspondent

Students at The University of Scranton can look forward to quality-of-life improvements in their dining for the 2026-27 school season, thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), which recently announced Scranton as a recipient of its PA Hunger-Free Campus grant funding.

Adrianna Smith '22 G'23, student life special projects coordinator for The University of Scranton, outlined how the University plans to use its grant allocation. 

“We can increase the availability of grab-and-go meals, meal ingredient kits and emergency dining support while also piloting a micro-pantry and expanding access to hygiene products,” she explained. “Additional funding will allow for expanded grocery shuttle services, cooking workshops and SNAP education and application support to connect eligible students with crucial resources.”

Smith said the grant represents a new ability for campus-wide collaboration among several departments.

“This funding will support a collaborative initiative between the Division of Student Life and Center for Service and Social Justice, enhancing both immediate access to food and long-term resources for students,” Smith said. 

Smith also discussed the grant’s ability to help the University ensure that it lives up to its Jesuit ideals by recognizing and assisting with students’ physical, not just academic, needs. 

“By prioritizing dignity, we will continue to foster an environment where all students are supported and thriving both inside and outside the classroom,” Smith said.

PDE awarded $1 million worth of PA Hunger-Free Campus grants to 30 colleges and universities across the state of Pennsylvania.

The University of Scranton received $40,000 in grant funds from PDE to help improve the dining experience on campus.

PA Hunger-Free Campus grants are awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help schools address food insecurity on campus, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives and upgrading facilities.