Chatham Receives $20,000 State Grant to Help Fight Student Food Insecurity
Chatham University was this week awarded a $20,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to continue efforts to combat student food insecurity.
The PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant will support both existing and new initiatives on campus to alleviate food insecurity and address other basic needs for students.
Chatham’s goals for the May 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, grant cycle include:
Expanding Chatham’s existing Shadyside Essential Needs Pantry, which currently provides shelf-stable foods to students, to also provide fresh and frozen food. The grant will cover expenses including shelving, electrical work, and signage.
Purchasing menstrual products, which Chatham will stock in campus bathrooms and the Essential Needs Corner—a “free store” in the Student Health Office which offers toiletries, cooking equipment, menstrual products, and other essential hygiene supplies
Purchasing food and other supplies for Chatham’s “break boxes,” which provide food for residential students staying on campus for Fall, Winter, and Spring breaks, when students can’t access the dining hall for meals.
The remaining funds will be used to provide additional food resources to students who have applied to Chatham's Emergency Fund.
In addition to the grant-supported initiatives above, Chatham’s Hunger Free Campus task force has established several ongoing programs to address food insecurity and nutrition needs at Chatham including:
A monthly distribution of free, fresh produce, which is sponsored by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This event is open to all community members and encourages students to incorporate nutritious, fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets. This program distributes between 300 and 1,200 lbs. of produce each month to between 50 and 160 community members.
Monthly nutrition education through a partnership with Adagio Health.
Referrals to Just Harvest, a local non-profit that provides support for applying for SNAP benefits as well as increasing awareness through social media channels, tabling, and campus signage.
An ongoing partnership with Squirrel Hill Food Pantry which allows students to utilize their pantry services by showing a valid Chatham ID.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative started in 2022. This year, the department awarded $1 million in PA Hunger-Free Campus grants to 30 institutions of higher education and private licensed schools to combat student hunger on campuses across the Commonwealth. Grants are awarded to help schools address food insecurity on campus, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives, and upgrading facilities.