Penn Dining Donation Drive Provides Nearly 900 Meal Swipes to Combat Student Food Insecurity

Penn Students Donate Nearly 900 Meal Swipes to combat Food Insecurity

Philadelphia, PA – December 1, 2025 – In a powerful display of student solidarity, nearly 900 meal swipes were donated during a recent drive hosted by Penn Dining and Swipe Out Hunger on November 17th. The initiative allowed students to contribute unused meal swipes to support food access efforts nationwide, providing short-term meal support to students facing food insecurity.

The semesterly event, held at 1920 Commons, saw widespread participation from the student body. Hospitality Services University Engagement Coordinator Ray Franckewitz expressed gratitude for the student leaders of Swipe Out Hunger and the broader student engagement with the longstanding initiative.

“We’re grateful to the student leaders of the Swipe Out Hunger institution for their partnership, and we appreciate everyone who took part and their ongoing engagement with this longstanding initiative,” Franckewitz stated.

Swipe Out Hunger, a national non-profit, partners with over 900 organizations across the country to collect and redistribute unused meal swipes. The drive resonated deeply with students, many of whom highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity within the campus community.

“It’s more prevalent than some people realize, and it’s something that a lot of people can definately help with,” explained College senior Janine Haros, a student organizer for the drive.

First-year Nursing student Alex Blank echoed this sentiment, stating, “I donated swipes because I think it’s importent to give back to our community, and I have extra swipes that I’m not going to use. I think it’s a great cause and a good way to use the swipes that I do have.”

The timing of the drive was especially poignant, as College first-year Brady Woodhouse noted its importance “at a time when a lot of people are about to lose or have already lost their SNAP benefits.”

Organizers proactively addressed concerns about students potentially needing their donated swipes later in the semester by implementing a “credit debit system.” This ensured that swipes were only deducted at the end of the semester, allowing students to reclaim them if needed.

While largely praised, the initiative also sparked conversation about the university’s dining plan system. College sophomore Maggie Zheng acknowledged the drive as a positive choice to the University retaining unused funds,but also voiced concerns about the fairness of the system.

“This institution has so much money,and if they really wanted to donate,they could donate themselves,” Zheng said. “I don’t really feel like it’s fair to take money away from people that need it to help people that really need it.”

The success of the meal swipe drive underscores the commitment of Penn students to addressing food insecurity and fostering a more supportive campus community.

How does Penn’s donation drive compare to similar initiatives like UCLA’s “Swipe It Forward” program in terms of scale and impact?

Addressing Food Insecurity at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania recently concluded a highly accomplished dining donation drive, resulting in nearly 900 meal swipes being donated to support students experiencing food insecurity. This initiative, spearheaded by Penn Dining and student volunteers, directly addresses a growing concern on college campuses nationwide: the struggle students face in affording consistent, nutritious meals. College student hunger is a significant issue, impacting academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.

The Scope of Student Food insecurity

Food insecurity isn’t always visible. It affects students from diverse backgrounds and financial situations. Several factors contribute to this problem:

* Rising Tuition Costs: Increasing tuition fees leave less disposable income for essential needs like food.

* Limited Financial Aid: Financial aid packages may not fully cover the cost of living, including meals.

* Unexpected Expenses: Unforeseen medical bills, textbook costs, or travel expenses can quickly deplete a student’s budget.

* Part-Time Employment Challenges: Balancing work and studies can be challenging, and part-time jobs may not provide sufficient income.

* Stigma: Many students are hesitant to seek help due to the stigma associated with food assistance.

According to a 2023 study by the Hope Center for college, Community, and Justice, nearly one in three college students experience food insecurity. Penn’s initiative aims to mitigate this issue within its own community. Campus food banks and student meal programs are becoming increasingly vital resources.

How the Penn Dining Donation Drive Worked

The donation drive allowed students with unused meal swipes on their dining plans to donate them to a pool accessible by students identified as facing financial hardship and food insecurity. The process was streamlined through the Penn Dining website and mobile app, making it easy for donors to contribute.

Here’s a breakdown of the drive’s mechanics:

1. Swipe Donation: Students with remaining meal swipes could voluntarily donate them through the online portal.
2. Eligibility Verification: Students in need applied through the Office of Student Affairs, providing documentation to verify their eligibility.
3. Swipe distribution: Approved students received access to the donated swipes, allowing them to purchase meals at any Penn Dining location.
4. Confidentiality: The entire process was conducted with strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of both donors and recipients.

Impact of Nearly 900 Meal Swipes

The nearly 900 donated meal swipes represent a substantial contribution to alleviating student hunger at Penn. Each swipe typically covers the cost of a meal at one of Penn’s numerous dining halls or cafes. This translates to hundreds of meals provided to students in need.

* Improved Academic Performance: Access to regular meals can improve concentration and energy levels, leading to better academic outcomes.

* Enhanced Mental Health: Food security is directly linked to mental well-being. reducing stress related to food access can positively impact students’ mental health.

* Increased Student Retention: addressing basic needs like food can contribute to higher student retention rates.

* Community Building: The donation drive fostered a sense of community and empathy among penn students.

Beyond Meal Swipes: Additional Resources for Students

Penn offers several resources to support students facing food insecurity beyond the dining donation drive:

* The Penn Food Bank: Provides non-perishable food items to students in need.

* Emergency Financial Aid: offers grants to help students cover unexpected expenses, including food.

* Student Counseling Services: Provides mental health support and resources.

* The Weingarten Learning Resources Center: Offers academic support and tutoring.

* SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility Assistance: Guidance on applying for federal food assistance. Food stamp applications can be complex, and assistance is valuable.

The Role of Universities in Addressing food Insecurity

Penn’s initiative serves as a model for other universities seeking to address food insecurity on their campuses.Proactive measures are crucial, including:

* Regular Assessments: Conducting surveys to assess the prevalence of food insecurity among students.

* Increased Awareness: Raising awareness about available resources and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

* Partnerships with Local Organizations: Collaborating with local food banks and community organizations.

* Advocacy for Policy Changes: Advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as affordable housing and living wages.

* Expanding Dining Options: Offering more affordable and accessible dining options on campus. Low-cost meal plans can be a significant benefit.

Real-World Example: The Swipe It Forward Program at UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) pioneered a similar program called “Swipe It Forward” in 2015. This program allows students to donate meal swipes to a fund that supports students experiencing food insecurity. UCLA’s program has been highly successful, providing thousands of meals to students in need and inspiring similar initiatives at other universities. this demonstrates the scalability and effectiveness of meal swipe donation programs.