HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) has been named a PA Hunger-Free Campus by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The designation recognizes the University’s work to make sure students have reliable access to food and other basic needs.
The designation was awarded on behalf of First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Education and runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. HU is one of 89 colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions across the Commonwealth that currently hold the designation.
“Our students come here to take on hard problems in science and technology,” said Harrisburg University President Dr. Christopher M. Reber. “They can’t give that work their full attention if they’re worried about where their next meal is coming from. This recognition belongs to everyone at HU who makes sure help is there when a student needs it. We are grateful to the First Lady and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for shining a light on an issue that touches more students today than most people realize.”
About the designation
The Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative launched in August 2022 as a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Office of the First Lady. It brings together colleges and universities across the state to address hunger and other basic needs among their students. It also connects designated schools with resources, best practices, and grant opportunities.
In a letter congratulating the University, First Lady Shapiro noted that research indicates about one-third of college students experience food insecurity. “Higher education should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status, and hunger should never hinder a student’s journey,” she wrote.
How HU qualified
To earn the designation, an institution must certify that it meets four criteria set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
- A way to connect students directly with food, such as an on-campus food pantry, a community food pantry, or a food delivery program.
- Outreach that raises awareness of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules for students and helps eligible students apply.
- A task force on basic needs that meets regularly and includes students, faculty, financial aid staff, student support staff, and institutional leadership.
- Collection and reporting of data on student food insecurity.
At HU, that work starts with an on-campus food pantry in the Student Union. The pantry is stocked through partnerships with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Strictly Catering, Nicobi CARES, Sharp Shopper, and Price Rite.
“Food insecurity is often invisible,” said Malik Potter, director of student care and development, who submitted HU’s application for the designation. “Students don’t always tell us when they’re struggling, so our job is to make help easy to find and easy to accept. We reach out to every student who visits the food pantry or uses any of our basic needs services. We check in and refer them to SNAP and other state benefits they may qualify for.”
HU also partnered with PA Navigate to create the first certified campus program that connects students and their families with basic needs services in their area.
To coordinate support across campus, HU created the CARES Team, a multidisciplinary group that meets weekly to review students’ needs.
“We want every student to get timely, appropriate support from every area of their student experience.” Malik said.
Each year, HU measures student needs through a basic needs survey adapted from the Hope Center Basic Needs Survey, developed by the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University.
“This designation tells our students that asking for help is normal here and that the University is in their corner,” Malik said.
What’s next
The designation makes HU eligible to apply for the PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program, which Gov. Josh Shapiro funded at $1 million in the 2025-26 state budget. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has said details on the next round of grants are coming soon.
Students who need support
Students who need help with food or other basic needs can contact the Office of Student Care and Development or visit the food pantry in the Student Union.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, analytics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, nursing, and other STEM fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link research with practical application. Learn more at HarrisburgU.edu or stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Contact Dan Wilhelm, director of communications, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu.
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