Due to the recent government shutdown, the allocation of SNAP benefits has been halted or delayed. Although the government has reopened, according to WPSU, many students are turning to campus resources during this uncertain time. VALLEY is here to highlight how students are showing up for their peers as well as to offer ways the average student can help.
Readily Available Resources
If you or another student is in need of food, hygiene products or any other resources during this time, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. From groceries to larger struggles like rent/housing and medical bills, Penn State offers help through Basic Needs and Support. For easy access to food and hygiene products, The Lion’s Pantry offers food to any student with a PSU ID.
Student-driven Support Systems
The student-run organization Days for Girls focuses on ending period poverty locally as well as internationally. VALLEY had the opportunity to speak with Hailey Dermota, the Vice President of Advocacy at Days for Girls Penn State, to discuss how students can access free menstrual products as well as help others.
Although Days for Girls has not yet seen an influx of students who need products, they have heard the concerns about peers in need and are worried about it.
We are available if anyone needs to talk or needs supplies, and we can always help get access to those supplies if it’s not just period products, Dermota said.
In 2021, they conducted a survey as a part of an access expansion project that makes sure all academic buildings have free period products in the women’s and gender-neutral bathrooms. It found that 12% of menstruators at Penn State face financial barriers to accessing period products.
Recently, they collaborated with The Lion’s Pantry to make period packs with pads and tampons for students to take whenever they need it. Days for Girls also regularly makes donations to The Lion’s Pantry.
For those in need of products, Days for Girls has pads, tampons, liners and menstrual cups available in HUB 207 during office hours, which can be found on their Instagram.
On Campus:
Basic Needs Hub Boucke 222
R-Voice Center Boucke 222
Chaiken Center Boucke 325
Chaiken Center Sparks 138 & 139
Hub 207 Days for Girls office, select hours
Monday 2-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday 12:30-1 p.m., 2-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday 1-2 p.m.
Thursday 12-12:30 p.m., 3-3:30 p.m.
Friday 10-10:30 a.m.
The Lion’s Pantry
Waring Commons WHRA Office
Downtown Locations:
Schlow Library downtown in the Children’s Library
How You Can Help
Dermota said that the best way to support fellow classmates through Days for Girls’ initiatives is to donate products. Products can be donated at Days for Girls, The Lion’s Pantry, Centre Safe and State College Food Bank.
It’s a necessity. It’s not something that goes to waste.
She also emphasized the importance of service work and volunteering.
I think it’s important to remember that when you’re doing service work, there’s someone on the other side that is so grateful that you joined.
Dermota said that for those interested in making a bigger impact outside of campus, the international organization, Days for Girls International, accepts donations.
For students who want to help with food insecurity, there are ways to donate your time and money to The Lion’s Pantry. The Lion’s Pantry accepts “non-perishable, unopened and unexpired food and household item donations,” and they also have an Amazon wishlist with their high-demand items. They also accept monetary donations. If you wish to volunteer instead, you can contact them by email at thelionspantry@psu.edu.
Let us know about other resources for students or ways to help @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
