Penn State students unite to combat childhood hunger in central Pennsylvania
The YMCA of Centre County Anti-Hunger Program has announced a new partnership with the Penn State College of Medicine University Park Curriculum, Penn State ROTC Program and Penn State Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society to address food insecurity among children in rural areas of central Pennsylvania.
This fall, students from these organizations will join forces twice a week to pack and distribute parcels of food to families in need. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to community service and addressing a critical issue affecting the region.
“Many children living in Centre County are hidden in plain sight when it comes to food and nutrition insecurity. Sometimes, the only reliable sustenance they get comes from school-based programs,” said Mark Stephens, MD, associate dean for medical education at the University Park campus and professor of family and community medicine. “As providers (educators, staff and students), we are generally quite fortunate when it comes to food security. As such, it is critical that medical students get out to volunteer time to make a difference in their local community. After all, what could be better than giving a child a helping hand?”
Learn more about the partnership below.
The need:
The food parcels bagged by students in the College of Medicine’s University Park Curriculum, Penn State ROTC Program and Penn State Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society will be distributed to help combat childhood hunger in rural areas of central Pennsylvania,
- Food insecurity is a persistent problem in central Pennsylvania, with many children lacking consistent access to nutritious meals.
- Rural communities face unique challenges in accessing resources, including food banks and other support services.
- This partnership aims to bridge that gap by providing direct assistance to families struggling with hunger.
The impact:
- Students will gain valuable experience in community outreach and develop leadership skills.
- The program will provide essential food support to families, ensuring children have the nutrition they need to thrive.
- This collaborative effort strengthens community bonds and raises awareness about the issue of food insecurity.
The partners:
- YMCA of Centre County Anti-Hunger Program: Provides vital resources and expertise in addressing food insecurity in the region.
- Penn State College of Medicine University Park Curriculum: Instills in future health care professionals a commitment to service and addressing social determinants of health.
- Penn State ROTC Program: Develops leaders of character dedicated to serving their community and country.
- Penn State Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society: Fosters a culture of service and encourages pre-med students to engage in initiatives that promote health and well-being.
How you can help:
- Community members are encouraged to support the YMCA of Centre County Anti-Hunger Program through donations or volunteering.
- For more information about the program and how to get involved, please visit www.ymcaocc.org or contact Mel Curtis at 814-342-0889 or mcurtis@ymcaocc.org.
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