CCAC Awarded Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Grant
PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative
PITTSBURGH
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has announced a $13,600 grant award to the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) as part of the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus program. The awards were given to institutions which have developed innovative initiatives tailored to the specific needs of college students.
CCAC was designated last year as a Hunger-Free Campus as part of the PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, a coalition of Pennsylvania higher education institutions focused on addressing student hunger and other basic needs.
"CCAC is honored to be one of the recipients of the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant award. Food insecurity is one of the hidden barriers that affect college students nationwide. For an institution that serves a high percentage of economically challenged students, CCAC is committed to eliminating barriers to enable students to achieve their full potential," said Dr. Quintin Bullock, CCAC president.
Dr. Bullock said the college plans to use the resources to connect more CCAC students to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by enhancing outreach through innovative strategies and partnerships.
The Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Lori Shapiro, fully endorses the PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, which began in 2022. In 2023–24, the work continues to build 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.
Governor Josh Shapiro successfully advocated for $1,000,000 in the FY 2023–2024 budget to support postsecondary institutions' efforts on addressing student hunger needs on campus. Commencing August 2022, postsecondary institutions were invited to apply for the PA Hunger-Free Campus or PA Hunger-Free Campus+ designation to demonstrate their commitment to addressing these needs and diminishing barriers for learners. In September 2023, institutions that received the designation were invited to apply for consideration to receive funds to address food insecurity on campus.
CCAC was one of 30 higher education institutions across the state to be awarded the funding.