First Lady Frances Wolf Leads Hunger Discussion at Bucks County Community College 

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Image via PAcast.
First Lady Frances Wolf at Bucks County Community College.
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First Lady Frances Wolf addressed the growing need for resources for students experiencing food and basic needs insecurity on campus at Bucks County Community College (Bucks) on June 27. The appearance was detailed in a press release from the Pa. Office of the Governor.

First Lady Wolf discussed $1 million investment to address college hunger and $200 million investment to create the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program. Both are Gov. Tom Wolf initiatives for the 2022–2023 state budget. 

“Too many college students are overworked and underserved as they pursue futures that can benefit all of Pennsylvania,” said First Lady Wolf. “With proposals like the Hunger-Free Campus initiative and Nellie Bly, we have an opportunity to alleviate the burden of hunger for the students who need it most and help them pay for the stifling costs of higher education.”  

An estimated 36 percent of students know someone who dropped out of college due to food insecurity during the pandemic. Roughly 52 percent of students who faced food or housing insecurity in 2020 did not apply for support because they did not know how.  

On-Campus Responses

KEYS and Gift Cards

First Lady Wolf toured the Bucks campus, learning about how the college is addressing the basic needs of its students with programs like Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS). Funded by the Pa. Department of Human Services (DHS) at Pa.’s community colleges, KEYS assists students who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) in their pursuit of post-secondary education by: 

  • Providing career counseling, tutoring and academic support, including help with financial aid 
  • Facilitating supportive services, such as child care, textbooks, and transportation assistance, available through the County Assistance Office (CAO) and/or the College
  • Connecting students to other community service agencies  
  • In addition, Bucks has developed a gift card program that empowers students in need to make their own food choices. It has also enacted “standing pantries” across the campus, convenient shelves stocked with food and toiletries.   

Student/Staff Discussion

Following the tour, Mrs. Wolf joined students and staff for a discussion on the nutrition issue. She shared the governor’s budget proposals to confront the substantial costs of college and food insecurity among college students, encouraging the college community to contact elected officials and urge them to act on the behalf of Pa. students. 

“Part of [Bucks’] mission is to provide innovative pathways that inspire educational, professional, and personal fulfillment,” said Interim Dean of Students Dr. Dekia Smith. “We recognize that whether it’s food insecurity, homelessness, or the need for emergency funds, many of our students do not have what they need to meet their higher education goals.

“The Governor’s proposal to Swipe Out Hunger would support our work to ensure an accessible, equitable, and supportive experience for our students. We are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking and transformative initiative,” she commented.

Grant Program and Community Partnerships

In his 2022–2023 budget, Governor Wolf proposed $1 million to create the Hunger-Free Campus grant program. This program helps colleges and universities to:

  • Set up or expand food pantries
  • Increase SNAP outreach and education
  • Improve data gathering on this issue
  • Support any other project that could meet the needs of hungry students on campus.

Colleges and universities are also encouraged to become a COMPASS Community Partner, which facilitates connecting students to a range of support and assistance.

Nellie Bly Scholarship Program

Gov. Wolf also proposed $200 million for the Nellie Bly Scholarship Program. This needs-based scholarship supports equitable access to and enrollment in Pa. State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools and Pa.’s community colleges.

The scholarship supports student tuition and filling gaps in the true costs of attendance. It also addresses critical workforce needs in the state by prioritizing students pursuing programs in healthcare, education, and public service.

Students who take advantage of the program must stay in Pa. to live and work for the same amount of time they receive the scholarship benefit.

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