Geisinger College of Health Sciences has been recognized with the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus designation, as announced by Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro. This recognition is part of a statewide initiative to combat food insecurity on college campuses.
Tanja Adonizio, MD, Vice Provost for Student Affairs at Geisinger College, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment. “We are so honored to receive the designation,” she said. The college maintains a free student food pantry and integrates awareness of social health determinants like food insecurity into its curriculum. Dr. Adonizio emphasized the importance for healthcare students to understand factors influencing patient health, including initiatives like Geisinger’s Fresh Food Farmacy.
The PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative aims to create a network of higher education institutions addressing hunger among students. It offers resources and strategies to help campuses support students in need and provides opportunities for grants focused on tackling food insecurity.
First Lady Shapiro highlighted that over one-third of students knew someone who left college due to food insecurity during the pandemic. Additionally, she noted that more than half of those facing food or housing insecurity in 2020 did not apply for assistance due to lack of knowledge on how to do so.
With this new designation, Geisinger College becomes eligible for grants related to addressing these issues.
About Geisinger College of Health Sciences: The institution focuses on educating future healthcare leaders through innovation and applied practice across various fields including medicine and nursing. More information can be found at geisinger.edu/gchs.
The college upholds nondiscrimination in all its programs and activities. For concerns or questions, contact details are available at geisinger.edu/titleix.
