Clare鈥檚 Cupboard eradicates food insecurity on campus
Alvernia received an official PA from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
鈥淭his designation underscores 媚娘直播鈥檚 commitment to mission-driven inclusive excellence and academic excellence by ensuring that students, faculty and staff feel comfortable and supported on campus,鈥 said 媚娘直播 Vice President of Mission, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Darryl C. Mace. 鈥淭his recognition is the result of phenomenal work with Clare鈥檚 Cupboard on the part of Katelyn Canning 鈥22, MSW 鈥23; Jamie Caporizo; and Laurel Radzieski. Their efforts both address and attempt to eradicate food insecurity on campus, a deeply troubling issue faced by colleges and universities nationwide.鈥
To advance student food security efforts across the state, the Pennsylvania Office of the First Lady and the Department of Education (PDE) are piloting the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus initiative. The initiative includes building a coalition of colleges and universities focused on addressing hunger and other basic needs for their students; creating opportunities for connection among student hunger advocates; providing resources and strategies for campuses; and supporting opportunities to apply for grants related to addressing food insecurity.
鈥淭he Hunger-Free Campus Designation that was recently bestowed on 媚娘直播鈥檚 food pantry, Clare鈥檚 Cupboard, is such a rewarding accolade that will allow us to serve our campus community in even greater ways,鈥 said Tracy Hine, who has worked with Clare's Cupboard since its inception. 鈥淲e are so proud of the growth that Clare鈥檚 Cupboard has seen over the past four years and this opportunity will contribute to future growth and sustainability to meet the needs of our students.鈥
Clare鈥檚 Cupboard is an integrated, community-based resource geared toward enhancing 媚娘直播 community members鈥 quality of life on campus. It has locations at the Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia campuses and aims to meet the unique needs of individuals as they focus on their personal, social, and academic growth.
鈥淎chieving the PA Hunger-Free campus status is a goal I've had since I started working with Clare鈥檚 Cupboard in 2020,鈥 said Senior Director of Mission and Ministry and Staff Advisor, Clare鈥檚 Cupboard, Jamie Caporizo. 鈥淐lare鈥檚 Cupboard continues to be a more inclusive and welcoming place not only in what is able to give the students but in the way the students have embraced it. Students in the Class of 2021 even gave their class gift to Clare鈥檚 Cupboard and I was touched by that act of generosity and stewardship from our own students.鈥
Through generous donations from students, internal and external partners, friends and community members, it offers food, toiletries, clothing, housewares, and academic assistance for free to 媚娘直播 students in need. Clare鈥檚 Cupboard also offers non-perishable food items, toiletries, casual and business attire, housewares, school supplies, and Grab N Go frozen meals 24/7 in the lobby of Veronica Hall In partnership with Aladdin Dining Services.
"I watched Clare鈥檚 Cupboard expand and reach more students during my time working in and with the cupboard. We have become a well-known service on campus in which students can seek out food assistance in privacy without feeling shame or judgment,鈥 said Clare鈥檚 Cupboard Administrator, Katelyn Canning 鈥22 MSW 鈥23. 鈥淚 have dedicated my time to creating connections with other food pantries and organizations as well as making decisions to help improve the cupboard for our students.鈥