Help Lion’s Share tackle food insecurity

The Association of Faculty and Friends’ (AFF) Lion’s Share is asking for help in their quest to aid families struggling with food insecurity.

The organization helps families obtain healthy and nutritious food through monetary donations, grocery store gift cards and food donations. This year’s holiday collection will support the Lion’s Pantry and the Penn State Health Family and Community Medicine Food as Medicine Program at Beacon Clinic. The drive runs from Tuesday, Nov. 1, to Saturday, Dec. 31.

The Lion’s Pantry is located on the Hershey campus and provides essential food to Penn State Health employees and students. Beacon Clinic is a free primary health care clinic in downtown Harrisburg. Family and Community Medicine faculty partner with medical students to bring Beacon Clinic’s clients food along with health screenings and education.

Three ways you can help:

• Financial contributions have the greatest impact. All donations are tax-deductible and provide direct support to people in need. Through AFF’s partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, food can be purchased at much lower prices than local grocery stores. You can donate online here.

• Cash, checks made out Penn State University with AFF Lion’s Share in the memo or gift cards to any local grocery store are also welcome. The gift cards are used to purchase items that are not available from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Mail to Penn State Health, Office of Development, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033. Do not leave money or gift cards in food bins.

• Food Bins will be located at the following campus entrances: Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, Academic Support Building, 35 Hope Drive, 100 Crystal A, University Physician Center, and Penn State Health Medical Group ― Cocoa Outpatient Center. AFF is only collecting the following nonperishable items: peanut butter, low-sodium spaghetti sauce, unsweetened apple sauce/fruit cups, microwavable chili/soup bowls and healthy snacks. In addition, spices such as cinnamon, red pepper and salt substitutes (such as Mrs. Dash) are needed.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.