Written by Prairie View A&M University,
Nationally, one in three college students report a lack of access to quality nutritious food, often called food insecurity. To combat this trend, Prairie View A&M University has announced a new partnership with Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit committed to ending college student hunger. Through this new alliance, the university’s Division of Student Affairs has kicked off the Panther Meal Share Program to help students who need immediate assistance.
Aimed at addressing student hunger issues on campus, Panther Meal Share works in concert with PVAMU’s existing Hilltop Reserve Emergency Resource Center. The new program is available to both residential and commuting students who do not have a meal plan, and those who have a meal plan but do not have sufficient meals to cover their needs for the semester.
“The number of meals distributed will depend on the number of meals available for distribution, as well as the amount of funds available to purchase meals,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Beverly Copeland, Ph.D.
Students wishing to participate in the program must complete a survey to be considered for Panther Meal Share. Those approved who are facing food insecurity may receive up to 30 meal swipes on their PVAMU ID cards per semester.
“Sodexo, our on-campus dining services and national partner for Swipe Out Hunger, will sponsor a limited number of meal swipes. More donations from faculty, staff and stakeholders are needed to continue these efforts of mitigating hunger among our students,” Copeland said.
PVAMU’s Office of Development will coordinate donations for the program. Students may also donate meal swipes from certain meal plans to fellow Panthers in need during specified times from Student Affairs during the semester.
“The program will accept donations ongoing throughout the year. 100% of donated funds will be used to cover the cost of meals not covered by Sodexo,” Copeland said.
She continued, “The Panther Meal Share Program at Prairie View A&M University is just one effort of a broader plan created to address students’ basic needs. Research has shown that students with unmet basic needs are more likely to have low academic achievement, a negative impact on mental and physical health, and low persistence to graduation. Addressing these needs will undoubtedly positively impact students’ overall experience at PVAMU.”
